At least one tenant had to climb out of a window to escape a fire that broke out on College Street early Friday morning.
The fire was reported to emergency crews at around 4:10 a.m., causing significant damage to the structure.
Two people were slightly injured, including the man who was found hanging out the window. He suffered minor cuts to his head. Another person at the scene was treated for smoke inhalation.
Toronto Fire Services District Chief Dan Sell said having a fire station across the street from the scene likely helped save one of the tenants. Crews spotted the man out the window and were able to give him a ladder to help him escape safely.
At the height of the fire, 12 firetrucks and 45 crew members were on scene to battle the two-alarm blaze. Officials believe flames first broke out on the third floor of the low-rise building but they are unsure of what first led to sparks.
The building houses restaurant Butter Chicken Roti and several apartments.
The fire was quickly brought under control though police closed off College Street between Spadina Avenue and Bathurst Street for several hours to clear the path for firetrucks at the scene.
The road reopened to traffic at around 7 a.m.
