Man in 70s Dies After North York House Fire; Dog Found Inside, Cause Under Investigation

A man in his 70s has died following a house fire in North York on Thursday night, according to Toronto Fire Services and paramedics.

Toronto Fire crews responded to a home in the area of Pellatt Avenue and Academy Road, southwest of Highway 401 and 400, shortly after 7 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered smoke and flames inside the residence.

Crews searched the home and found one occupant. They brought him outside and provided first aid before he was transferred to Toronto paramedics, who rushed him to hospital with critical injuries.

In an update late Thursday, Toronto police said the man had been pronounced dead. The cause, origin and circumstances of the fire remain unknown, but police said it is not deemed to be suspicious.

According to Toronto paramedics, a second person not directly involved in the incident was also taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Toronto Fire said a dog was also found inside the house, but the animal’s condition is unknown.

The fire has been knocked down. Earlier this evening, Toronto Fire Services responded to a residential fire on Pellatt Avenue, confirming that crews rescued one occupant from the building.

Toronto Fire Services expressed condolences in a statement posted on social media, saying, “Our deepest condolences to all affected by this tragic loss.”