One person dead after highrise fire in Scarborough

One person is dead after a fire broke out at a highrise in Scarborough Tuesday evening.

Crews were called to 3131 Bridletowne Circle, in the area of Finch Avenue East and Warden Avenue, shortly after 8:30 p.m.

Heavy flames and thick smoke is seen coming out of a highrise unit in Scarborough on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. (Submitted)

Toronto police said there were reports of windows breaking and debris falling from the building. Viewer video shows heavy flames and black smoke coming out of a window.

"Upon arrival, our crews made a search-and-rescue effort and made entry into the unit on the ninth floor and encountered a working fire," Deputy Fire Chief Larry Cocco told reporters at the scene.

"As a result of rescue efforts, sadly an occupant was located deceased."

The victim has not been identified.

Toronto paramedics told CP24 that a second individual was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Cocco said the fire was contained to the ninth-floor unit. He noted that adjoining units may have suffered water damage.

Fire crews battle a highrise fire in Scarborough on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. (Simon Sheehan/CP24)

"Currently (crews) are working with building management to assess how many of the units have been affected by this fire and if people can reoccupy portions of the ninth floor," he said.

The cause, origin and circumstances of the fire are unknown.

"At this time there's no preliminary information to suggest that there is any foul play involved," Cocco said, adding that Toronto Fire Services will be investigating the incident alongside Toronto police and the Office of the Fire Marshal.