The cause of the fire that took place at 7 Applebaum Terrace in the York village remains unknown.
The fire, which occurred on August 16, destroyed the entire topfloor of the house and requiredthe evacuation of the two adjacent houses. Although Toronto Fire has not commented on the exact cause, Tyler Dart, who lived at 9 Applebaum Terrace, told CTV that a rooftop bonfire held by residents of the house may have started to the blaze.
The residents of the house, including three York students, four Seneca students, and one non-student, escaped the house without injuries.
Joanne Rider of York media says the university provided shortterm living accommodations for students displaced by the fire.
“We worked with students to determine their individual needs, and linked them with community agencies such as Red Cross, which provided items such as clothes and personal hygiene products,” says Rider.
Emily Rivas, who lives in the other half of the duplex, told the Toronto Sun that York has promised students housing until September.
Toronto Fire was unavailable for comment.
The incident comes five months after a fire on Assiniboine Road in April, which caused extensive damage to three houses and displaced 38 people, including 16 York students.
Rameeza Ahmed
Assistant News Editor