It will likely be weeks, and possibly even months, before fire investigators can determine why a beloved historic clubhouse on Ward’s Island caught fire over the weekend.
“A total loss fire presents challenges. However, the team is trained to observe fire patterns and ignition sources,” Deputy Fire Chief Larry Cocco told reporters at the scene Monday. “This makes it more difficult, but not impossible.”
Cocco spoke as heavy equipment was used to sort through the rubble and rubble behind him, all that remains of a building built in 1938.
“Depending on the course of the investigation, it will take weeks or even months if we have to take samples and send them to the laboratory,” Cocco said. “Every investigation is unique. Unfortunately, we don’t do an investigation in 30 minutes and come to a conclusion. It takes time. They have to gather all the data, interview witnesses, evaluate the information and do the analysis.”
He said so far there is no evidence to indicate an explosion.
The fire broke out around 2:20 a.m. Sunday and quickly engulfed the building. Additional resources had to be sent from the mainland to fight the fire. However, the city said Monday that firefighting equipment at the site was up to date and had been inspected in November.
“The city can confirm that Toronto Water conducts two inspections a year on all city hydrants. Specifically on Ward’s Island, the last inspection was on November 27, 2023 and no issues were found,” a city spokesperson said in a statement. a statement to CTV News. Toronto.
“The main pipe was installed in 1950 and a cement mortar lining was added to the inside of the pipe in 1995. The current static pressure in the main pipe is within the standard operating range and can be considered above the average standard” .
Whatever the cause, the local community said in a statement Monday that the loss of the clubhouse, which hosted countless weddings and other celebrations, is “devastating.”
“As the shock wears off and reality sets in, the community will mourn this loss like a beloved family home would,” said Alison Rogers, president of the Toronto Islands Residential Community Trust Corporation. “All of our children grow up in the shadow of the clubhouse. They eat ice cream in the cafeteria and play in the yard, loudly, while the community gathers inside to plan, discuss, report and solve problems.
“The clubhouse building was much more than a historic island landmark and a restaurant. It was the heart and center of the island community, but rest assured, that heart has not stopped beating. This community It is resilient and resourceful and this charred and blackened land will host Our dances, gatherings, celebrations, memorials, circus camps and bingo nights will return very soon.”
He said the group “will not speculate” on either the cause of the fire or the response until they receive a full report as promised by Chief Matthew Pegg.
The statement goes on to thank firefighters who contained the fire and prevented it from spreading, as well as community members who alerted others to the danger.
Rogers said the trust and the community will decide together how to proceed with the site once it has been launched.
Investigators are expected to remain at the scene for at least one more day.
– With files from CTV News Toronto reporter Beth Macdonell