Firefighters combatting massive townhouse complex fire in Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill Fire, Central York Fire, Vaughan Fire working on getting a fire under control

Yorkregion.com
July 27, 2020

Firefighters are currently on scene at a townhouse complex in Richmond Hill for a massive fire Sunday afternoon.

Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services, as well as Central York Fire and Vaughan Fire were called to the area of Weldrick Road East, east of Yonge Street at around 1:55 p.m.

Images posted to Twitter by a resident in the area shows the fire that spread throughout the townhouse complex.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Bryan Burbidge, the fire spread through several of the homes, and has completely compromised the roof making it dangerous for firefighters to combat the fire from the inside.

Burbidge said firefighters are taking a defensive operations approach, meaning they are fighting the fire from the exterior.

No injuries have been reported at this time to any resident or firefighter.

York Regional Police are currently on scene and have assisted with evacuation and controlling the scene. Police said firefighters continue to work on taking out the fire, and once their task is complete, an investigation into the cause of the fire will begin.

York Region social services and Red Cross are making arrangements for the well-being of the residents that were evacuated.

Burbidge said fire crews are expected to be there for several more hours.