Toronto police have confirmed that a fire last month, which destroyed a 100-year-old historic building at Yonge and Gould streets was caused by arson.
The building had to be torn down following the six-alarm blaze on Jan. 3.
Investigators are still trying to find out who started the blaze, despite releasing security camera images of someone entering the building around the time of the fire. The surveillance footage was provided by a local business owner.
Two firefighters had to be rescued from the blaze.
Toronto police Const. Tony Vella says it was a very large-scale fire and someone could have been killed or hurt.
The investigation is being taken seriously and police are working with the Ontario Fire Marshal to find out who is responsible, Vella says.
In April last year, a portion of the facade of the three-storey brick building off the busy downtown strip had come crashing to the ground. The building was shuttered and unoccupied for some time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Toronto police at 416-808-2222 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS.
