A fire believed to be caused by a leaf-blower gutted the mansion owned by figure skater Kurt Browning's on Wednesday.
Fire crews worked for hours to stamp out the flames that quickly spread from Browning's Forest Hill garage at about 11 a.m. Fire officials say a leaf blower was left unattended while being used to dry out the seats of a convertible car.
Heavy smoke was visible in the area as firefighters battled the blaze, which was under control by about 2 p.m. Toronto Fire says there were 50 firefighters at the scene along with 12 fire trucks.
Browning was home with his son when the fire broke out but they escaped injury. Damage is estimated at about $1 million.
Neighbours watching from the sidewalk expressed concern about the many trophies and medals Browning won during his skating career.
Browning is a four-time world champion in men's figure skating. He shares the home with his wife, National Ballet dancer Sonia Rodriguez, and their two children.
