A series of overnight fires in East York has residents in the community resting not so peacefully lately.
TPS are looking for a ‘firebug’ after 7 cases of arson were reported in the Danforth-Toronto area. #crime @centennialjourn
— Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
During a press conference Wednesday morning, Inspector Macintyre said, “We’re looking at these fires as grouped together” @centennialjourn — Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
Six fires were set in the Coxwell Avenue and Danforth Avenue area just after 3 a.m. Wednesday morning. Firefighters first responded to two calls on Oakdene Crescent. Shortly after, they received a call about a car in flames on Strathmore Boulevard, which was immediately followed by three more calls on Coxwell Avenue.
Toronto Police confirmed the 6 cases of arson happened ‘just after 3 a.m. and were 1.1 kilometres away from each other.’ @centennialjourn
— Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
The 7th case of arson in the Coxwell and Danforth area was reported later in the morning. #crime #toronto @centennialjourn — Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
The worst of the six was on Strathmore Boulevard, where the fire destroyed an SUV and caused minor damage to two homes. Neighbour Orval Rice, described the scene when he awoke just after 3 a.m.
“We could smell the burning plastic … then we could hear the horn of the car go and then an explosion … the flames were quite high coming out of the automobile,” said Rice. “It is a bit of a shock…. What goes through my mind is, God I’m glad there is nobody in that thing and I‘m glad there is nobody hurt.”
Orval, a neighbour to one of the arson victims recalls the smell of burning plastic. “I heard the horn of the car go and then an explosion.”
— Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
Orval Rice says, “we had a real good look. Saw the car in flames and called 911.” #neighbour #arson #coxwell #crime @centennialjourn
— Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
Orval Rice says, “we had a real good look. Saw the car in flames and called 911.” #neighbour #arson #coxwell #crime @centennialjourn — Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
“Made sure that our neighbours were out if their house or in the back. Waited for the fire department to come,” Rice said. @centennialjourn — Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
Rice says, “The flames were quite high. By the time the fire dept arrived they couldn’t save it. There was nothing left.” @centennialjourn
— Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
Debris of a car that was burned down during one of the 7 arson cases located on coxwell & danforth.@centennialjourn pic.twitter.com/nXqoIhUauw
— Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
“It was a bit of a shock. A bit of a sick feeling,” Rice said. @centennialjourn #toronto #police #arson #crime #coxwell #danforth
— Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
Rice says, “What was going through my mind was, I’m glad that nobody was hurt.” #arson #crime @centennialjourn #toronto #coxwell #danforth
— Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
Orval Rice has been a resident of E.Y. for 25 years and says, “things like these happen every where, we don’t expect it to happen to us.”
— Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
“There is someone out there doing these things and we are just hoping that they will catch these perpetrators,” Rice said. @centennialjourn
— Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
Rice says,”the fear will be there for a week or so. Hopefully in the next few days it will be gone.”@centennialjourn #arson #crime #Toronto
— Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
Although no one was injured, Toronto Police and Toronto Fire are urging people to be vigilant. Sgt. Mike Strapko, of Toronto Fire recommends people keep their yard waste, garbage and recycling locked up, along with all combustibles. Also, anything flammable that is out in the open should be kept away from homes, garages and cars.
Beena Rajendra, an E.Y. resident says she saw ambulances pass by her home but thought it was for someone ill. @centennialjourn #arson #crime
— Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
For many long-time residents of the neighbourhood like Beena Rajendra, this incident has left them feeling a bit insecure.
“I am very concerned about it,” Rajendra said. “I never expected this to happen in Toronto, let alone East York.”
Rajendra says someone took her potted tree and soon after returned it after she reported it. “It was really scary.” pic.twitter.com/VZC51k2OFJ
— Suzanna Sheetal Dutt (@SuzannaDutt) September 10, 2015
Toronto Police, Staff Sgt. Hunter Smith, of 54 Division says, there are currently no suspects, and asks anyone with video surveillance to check it for suspicious behavior between 3 and 4 am. If anyone has any information they are urged to contact 54 and 55 divisions, or Crime Stoppers.