Four homes were destroyed and another four were damaged Monday after two separate fires broke out at a new subdivision in Richmond Hill.
York Regional Police say one fire started shortly after 4 p.m. at a new housing development near Gracedale Drive and Canyon Hill Avenue in Richmond Hill.
None of the homes were occupied, police say, and no injuries were reported.
The first fire appears to have started in one home on Gracedale Avenue before spreading to a few neighbouring residences on the same side of the street.
Another separate fire started across the street sometime later, destroying one home and damaging three others.
Construction work was being done on the homes Monday night and officials say the fires were the result of an accidental welding incident.
Burbidge said a total of 34 firefighters were called to the scene in addition to all seven of the department's fire trucks.
Roads near the fire were closed Monday night.
The homeowner, who spoke to CP24, said she paid $1.25-million for the home and was scheduled to take possession in August.
