Emergency crews responded Sunday afternoon to a fire beneath the Gardiner Expressway in downtown Toronto.
A large, dark plume of smoke rose above the highway, and was visible from many condo towers in the surrounding area.
Toronto police say it’s under the westbound on ramp near Yonge Street and Lakeshore Boulevard.
There are reports the fire is coming from tents beneath the expressway, police say. People who are homeless often sleep there for shelter from the snow and rain. Police say there have also been reports of explosions at the site, perhaps from propane tanks near the camp.
Several people in the area captured images of the smoke.
— Maklane deWever (@maklanedewever) March 1, 2020
Is that a fire under the Gardiner? What’s going on #TO #CityInFlames pic.twitter.com/0NCT9R3u71
— Sujin (@chalddok) March 1, 2020
Lakeshore Boulevard is closed while crews investigate.
#TrafficAlertTO: I65703 LAKE SHORE BLVD W EB Beyond BAY ST: All eastbound lanes closed due to Fire investigation . (2020/03/01 02:38 PM).
— Gardiner Lake Shore (@TO_Gardiner_LS) March 1, 2020