Three-Alarm Fire Destroys Abandoned Riverside Building and Shuts Down Toronto Thoroughfares
A massive three-alarm fire destroyed an abandoned building near the Don Valley Parkway late Wednesday night, triggering widespread traffic disruptions across Toronto that persisted into Thursday morning. Emergency crews responded to the structure fire at 2 Matilda St., east of the Don Valley Parkway, shortly after 9:30 p.m. on October 14, 2026.
Toronto Fire Services Chief Jim Jessop told reporters at the scene that firefighters were met with heavy flames shooting through the roof upon arrival. The building, which sits near Matilda and Munro streets and was formerly home to a live event space, a coffee company, and a jam factory, has been vacant for a number of years, according to the fire chief.
Road Closures and Transit Impacts on the DVP and Gardiner Expressway
The intensity of the blaze forced emergency officials to shut down major arteries, including sections of the Don Valley Parkway, the Gardiner Expressway, Queen Street, and Dundas Street, to give crews room to surround the structure with master streams and aerial equipment like Tower 1. Toronto Police and city officials confirmed via social media platform X that roads began reopening after 3:00 a.m. Roads reopened after 3 a.m. Thursday on the Gardiner Expressway at Jarvis Street and northbound lanes of the Don Valley Parkway at the Don Roadway.
However, lingering restrictions affected the morning commute. By 6:00 a.m. Thursday, one northbound lane of the DVP remained closed alongside the Queen Street on-ramp to the northbound DVP. Northbound lanes from Lakeshore Boulevard, Jarvis Street, Munro Street, and Davies Street experienced earlier closures while fire crews managed the scene.
Building Collapses and Emergency Response Details
Firefighters utilized multiple aerial devices and master streams to contain the heavy smoke and fire to the immediate property. Chief Jessop reported that the structure suffered a number of wall and ceiling collapses during the operation, forcing crews to wait until it was safe to conduct thorough searches inside.
Toronto Paramedics transported one police officer to a local hospital for treatment of minor smoke inhalation. While the fire is now extinguished, Toronto Fire stated that crews and investigators remained on the scene through Thursday morning to douse hot spots and investigate.
Investigation Into the Cause at Matilda Street
Authorities have not yet determined what triggered the blaze at the vacant property. The cause, origin, and surrounding circumstances of the fire remain under active investigation by Toronto Fire and police services.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Riverside Fire
What caused the fire at 2 Matilda Street?
The cause and origin of the fire are currently under investigation by Toronto Fire and police services.
Were there any injuries reported during the incident?
Toronto Paramedics confirmed that one police officer was transported to a local hospital with minor smoke inhalation.
Which major roadways experienced closures due to the blaze?
Emergency responders temporarily closed sections of the Don Valley Parkway, the Gardiner Expressway, Queen Street, and Dundas Street. Most lanes reopened by Thursday morning, though one northbound lane of the DVP and the Queen Street on-ramp remained restricted.
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