Residents could be out of their homes for days after a three-alarm fire damaged an East York apartment building late Tuesday night.
Firefighters were called to 80 Cosburn Ave. near Pape Avenue at about 11:30 p.m. after someone called 911 when they saw smoke in the building.
The district fire chief says wiring between the third, fifth and seventh floors were overheating, causing rubber insulation in the walls to melt and smoke.
The 17-storey building was evacuated as a precaution. Div. Comm. Lorne Buckingham says residents are only being allowed back in to get essentials like identification while repairs are made to the electrical system.
Meanwhile, the city has set up a reception centre at East York Community Centre for people who have been displaced by the blaze.
The city says residents who don't have a place to go should call 311 to contact staff at the reception centre to arrange temporary shelter.
