Two found dead at townhouse fire in Vaughan after reports of people trapped inside

High winds fanned flames at the 2:30 p.m. blaze on Kale Crescent. ‘As one firefighter called it, a blowtorch,’ said York’s deputy fire chief Grant Moffatt.

Thestar.com
Aug. 14, 2023
Ben Mussett

Two people were found dead following a townhouse fire in Vaughan on Saturday afternoon, according to York Regional Police.

An evening statement from the City of Vaughan said emergency services were called to a burning townhome on Kale Crescent at 2:30 p.m., where they encountered heavy smoke and flames. Fire and rescue services had received reports of people trapped inside the home.

“Tragically, two older adult occupants were in the residence and died on the scene,” reads the statement from the city.

The victims’ identities have not yet been determined, nor has the cause of the fire, which is under investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshal.

Vaughan deputy fire chief Grant Moffatt told reporters the fire was fanned by high winds. “As one firefighter called it, a blowtorch,” he said.

According to police, emergency crews quickly arrived and extinguished the blaze. Police remained on the scene Saturday evening.

“On behalf of the City of Vaughan and Members of Council, I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones of two older adults who perished in a house fire in Vaughan today,” said Mayor Steven Del Duca in a separate statement.

“Our thoughts are with them as they grieve this sudden and devastating loss. To the first responders on the scene -- including Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, York Regional Police and York Region Paramedic Services -- I would like to thank you for your bravery in these times of tragedy.”

Earlier this year, a large fire at a residential subdivision in Vaughan destroyed about 20 homes that were under construction and damaged another 15.