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Toronto Jam Factory fire shut parts of DVP and Gardiner
In brief
A three-alarm fire tore through the vacant former Jam Factory building near Matilda and Munro streets in Toronto's east end on Wednesday night, October 14, 2026. Parts of the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway were closed while crews fought the blaze, and the main lanes reopened after 3 a.m. Thursday, according to the city.
What happened
Toronto police said the first calls about the fire came in around 9:37 p.m. on Wednesday. Fire Chief Jim Jessop told reporters at the scene that the fire was raised to three alarms after heavy smoke and flames were seen, and that the building had been empty for several years, CBC News reported. CityNews said flames were visible through the roof and windows.
Jessop said parts of the walls and ceilings had collapsed, so crews had to wait until it was safe before searching inside. By Thursday morning Toronto Fire said the fire was out, but crews and investigators were still at the site. The cause has not been announced.
Roads affected
Closures included the northbound DVP at Lake Shore Boulevard, the eastbound Gardiner at Jarvis Street and the Bay Street on-ramp, plus sections of Queen Street, Dundas Street East and Munro Street, according to CityNews and CBC. The city said the Gardiner at Jarvis and the northbound DVP at Don Roadway reopened after 3 a.m. CityNews reported that as of 6 a.m. one northbound DVP lane and the Queen Street on-ramp to the northbound DVP were still closed.
Injuries
CityNews said no injuries were reported, while CBC reported that paramedics took one police officer to hospital with minor smoke inhalation.
Drivers heading downtown on Thursday should check the City of Toronto road restrictions page before leaving. For more local stories, see our Canada news page.
General news summary based on public reports. ViralScopeHub is not affiliated with the City of Toronto, Toronto Fire Services or Toronto police.
Why it matters
The DVP and Gardiner are two of Toronto's busiest commuter routes, so any lane that stays closed near the Don Roadway can slow the morning drive into downtown.
Sources
- CBC News: Fire crews battled 'heavy' blaze overnight at vacant Toronto building, chief says
- CityNews Toronto: 3-alarm fire rips through abandoned building in Riverside
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