No injuries were reported after a lithium-ion battery fire broke out at a high-rise apartment building in Regent Park on Thursday afternoon, the fire chief says.
The blaze erupted inside a unit on the sixth floor of 220 Oak St., just east of River Street.
Emergency responders were called to that address at 1:40 p.m.
2 people, 3 dogs rescued
At the scene, Acting Platoon Chief Bob Cooke told CTV News Toronto that crews arrived and were “met by heavy black smoke and flames in the entryway to the unit.”
He said they soon realized they’d need an aerial tower to rescue the people inside.
“There two people and three dogs rescued out of a window by one of our towers,” Cooke said.
Toronto Paramedic Services said they assessed two people at the scene but did not transport anyone to the hospital.
‘Extreme danger’
After bringing the occupants and their pets to safety, firefighters then brought out a number of charred e-bikes, scattering a few lithium-ion batteries on the grass a few feet away.
Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop confirmed to CTV News Toronto that “numerous” e-bikes were found inside the unit that caught fire.
Just two days ago, on Tuesday, he spoke about the “extreme danger” lithium-ion battery fires can pose, especially in multi-unit dwellings.
Fire doused, investigation underway
The fire is now knocked down. There is, however, smoke throughout he building, Jessop said.
Fire crews remain on scene along with the fire investigator.
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Roads in the area were closed but have since reopened.
With files from CTV News Toronto’s Janice Golding
