The massive series of explosions that engulfed a west-end propane plant yesterday, setting the sky aflame and killing one firefighter (a propane plant employee is missing and presumed dead), was not first disastrous blaze to strike the city.
1813: THE BATTLE OF YORK
When the American attack on Fort York appeared certain to succeed, British troops abandoned the Fort and exploded their still-under-construction warship in the harbour and all the Fort’s ammunition. The explosion killed American General Zebulon Pike and caused 100 casualties on both sides. In retaliation, US troops set fire to the Parliament buildings. Later, in retaliation for the retaliation, British troops torched the US President’s mansion, causing it to be later whitewashed, which is why it is today the White House. (historyofwar.org)
1904: GREAT TORONTO FIRE
On April 19-20, a fire of still-undetermined origins raged through Toronto for nine hours, destroying more than 100 buildings but killing no one. Still, it caused more than $10 million damage and left 5,000 people unemployed (then 2.5 per cent of the city’s population). (Ontario archives)
2008: QUEEN WEST FIRE
A massive fire just east of Bathurst Street completely destroys eight low-rise buildings, including the longtime home of Duke’s Cycle on February 20. Councillor Adam Vaughan, who represents the area, said at the time the fire “left a hole in the heart of the city.” (Eye archive)
2008 (II): PROPANE EXPLOSION
According to one local resident, the propane-plant explosion “sounded like an atomic bomb,” and caused the evacuation of thousands of residents of the Keele and Wilson area. Firefighter Bob Leek, a 25-year veteran district fire chief, made the ultimate sacrifice in trying to fight the blaze when he was pronounced dead at hospital after collapsing at the scene.