The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) can now confirm that the fire that began on the second floor of the apartment building at 56 Maitland Street in Toronto claimed the life of an individual who lived on the third floor.

After conducting their preliminary investigation, OFM investigators learned that the tenant who lived in the apartment of fire origin, evacuated safely, leaving his apartment door open. Unfortunately, the stairwell doors on each floor of the building had been propped open, allowing thick smoke and intense heat to enter the stairwell and the third floor. A tenant from the third floor was found in the corridor, overcome by smoke and heat from the second floor fire.

The OFM continues to work with Toronto Fire Services and Toronto Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the origin, cause and circumstances surrounding this fire. One contributing factor to the outcome of this fire was the proximity of the victim's apartment to the propped open stairwell door.

QUOTES

“I want to express my condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of the individual who lost his life in this fire,” said Ontario Fire Marshal Pat Burke. “The life lost is particularly tragic because it could have been easily prevented. Stairwell doors are safety devices and are in place for a reason: they are designed to prevent the spread of heat and smoke so people can get out safely when there is a fire.”

“The smoke and fire alarms activated to provide an early warning to alert people to the fire," said OFM Manager of Fire Investigation Services, Chris Williams. “The investigation is focussing on the impact the open stairwell doors had on the severity of this fire."

LEARN MORE

People who live in apartment buildings must take every fire alarm seriously and act immediately. Evacuation should never be delayed for any reason. Occupants should never enter a smoky corridor or stairwell. If you encounter smoke or heat, look for an alternative exit or return to the apartment and call the fire department. Everyone should be familiar with their building's fire safety plan. Ensure all stairwell doors are kept properly closed. Stairwell doors should never be blocked open. To learn more about what to do in an apartment fire, visit www.ofm.gov.on.ca.

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