A frightening 6-alarm blaze that was called in early Wednesday morning furiously tore through a strip of heritage buildings on Queen St. West between Bathurst Street and Ryerson Avenue. Four buildings were totally destroyed. The damage is estimated at $10 million dollars but to the residents and business that had inhabited those buildings, their losses are immeasurable. What price can anyone place on family heirlooms that no amount of money can ever replace?

It took more than 150 firefighters and 40 pumper and ladder trucks to subdue the fire. The cause of the blaze remains unknown and the investigation is expected to take 10 days to complete. Although there had been rumours that the fire was caused by a drug lab, there is no evidence to support that allegation. It is estimated that 60 people lost their homes and businesses, including landmark bike shop, Duke’s Cycle, but miraculously no lives were lost. In fact, no one was injured. A trust fund for those who lost their possessions has been established and some hotels have put up residents for free. Cash donations to the Queen Street Fire Fund can be made at Scotiabank locations throughout the city. Businesses in the area are pitching in and collecting new toiletries as well as used clothing and toys for the displaced residents. A fundraising concert is already in the works for one musician who lost all his equipment in the fire.

If anyone has any information regarding the fire, please contact the police at 416-808-1400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.