Firefighters remain on- scene in Yorkville after a four-alarm fire tore through a building housing two upscale restaurants Thursday night.
The fire began shortly before 8 p.m. and the whole intersection was quickly covered in smoke.
Flames could be seen shooting up through the roof of the building at 116 Avenue Rd. where Sotto Sotto Restaurant and Spuntini Ristorante and Bar are located. Apartments are also located above the restaurants.
Damage has been estimated at more than $1 million, Toronto police said Friday.
Strong winds and two large ducts obstructing fire crews made it difficult to fight the flames, said Toronto Fire Division Commander Bob O’Hallarn.
“We’re trying to keep it from spreading to other buildings because the buildings are that close together down here,” O’Hallarn said.
The fire did end up spreading next door to 114 Avenue Rd.
O'Hallarn said it is not yet known what started the fire or where exactly it started.
Both restaurants were closed for Christmas and no injuries have been reported.
Peter Catarino, the owner of Spuntini Ristorante, was at the scene and he said he is "traumatized" seeing the blaze.
“There’s not much I can think,” Catarino said. “I’m devastated right now. It’s out of my control. You have no idea… Right now, I’m traumatized by this.”
Fernando Esteves, founder and part-owner of Spuntini Ristorante, posted on Twitter that his restaurant has been closed since the 23rd.
"We are devastated to hear about the fire that started tonight," Esteves tweeted. "We have been closed since the 23rd. Sotto Sotto was open on the 24th and were doing some catering today. We do not know the origin of the fire. We are glad that no one was injured."
Southbound Avenue Road is expected to remain closed between Davenport Road and Yorkville Avenue through most of Friday afternoon, police said.
Both Sotto Sotto and Spuntini are Toronto landmarks that are frequented by A-list celebrities and are go-to hot spots during the Toronto International Film Festival.
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