A six-alarm high-rise fire was successfully extinguished after a blaze broke out in the downtown apartment, resulting in hundreds of displaced tenants. According to Toronto fire officials, two people were sent to hospital for smoke inhalation, however no serious injuries were sustained in the event.

Calls first began coming in about “smoke in the building” at 650 Parliament St., just south of Bloor St. E., at about 1 p.m. Tuesday and had escalated to a six-alarm response by 3 p.m.

To put out the blaze, emergency crews had to contend with dozens of flights of stairs while equipped with over 75 pounds of gear due to the loss of electricity in the building—something Chief Matthew Pegg noted was “extremely demanding” for firefighters.

Officials speculate that the source of the fire was an electrical box, as heavy black smoke was discovered coming out of the basement and moving up into the building.

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