Fire crews responded to a significant industrial fire at a woodworking facility in Toronto’s west end on Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred on Primrose Avenue, near Lansdowne Avenue and Dupont Street, according to a CP24 report citing Toronto Fire officials.

Authorities reported that the fire broke out at a site believed to be used for woodworking. When emergency responders arrived, they encountered heavy smoke and visible flames coming from the building. Firefighters remained on the scene and continued to actively battle the blaze throughout the morning.

No injuries have been reported, and officials confirmed that no one was inside the facility at the time the fire started. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and an investigation is expected to follow.

Toronto Fire told CP24 that the situation was under control, but crews would remain on site to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to monitor for any potential flare-ups. The incident did not result in any reported injuries to workers or emergency personnel.

Officials have not released further details about the extent of the damage or the potential impact on nearby businesses and residents. Updates are expected as the investigation continues.

How can employers promote fire safety?

Employers can be better prepared to respond in case of fire if they have fire safety plans.

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), these plans are often required by your local Fire Code, especially for certain buildings and occupancy rates.

“Plans should be specific to the property or business. Conducting an audit or review of the property or business will help identify factors that could affect fire safety.”

“Items in this audit include site layout, points of entry/exit, roadways, use of the building, where and how items are stored, how items are used, water or fire department connections, alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and many other factors.”

The government agency notes that while specific requirements may vary by jurisdiction, in general, a fire safety plan should include:

• • Emergency procedures to be used in case of fire, including how to:
    • sound the alarm,
    • notify the fire department, building or business officials, or other designated staff as specified in the plan (e.g., all telephones on site should have the emergency phone numbers listed and the address of the property posted close by),
    • evacuate occupants (e.g., procedures occupants should follow when the fire alarm sounds),
    • evacuate persons who may need assistance, and
    • confine, control, and extinguish the fire where possible.
  • How, and how often fire drills will be conducted.
  • Information for any designated staff who have been given fire safety duties and responsibilities.
  • Organization, education, and training for staff with fire safety duties.
  • Information and actions to take to prevent or control fire hazards for that building or business, where appropriate.
  • Other staff education and training that may be necessary.
  • Detailed maintenance procedures for fire protection systems.
  • Diagrams and instructions about the type, location, and operation of any fire or emergency systems.
  • Identification of alternative fire safety measures.
  • Allow fire department access to the building and to the fire location within the building.