Police investigating break-in, suspicious fire at commercial building in Scarborough

CP24’s Beatrice Vaisman has the latest on the fire at a commercial plaza in Scarborough that displaced several people.

Toronto police say a break-in occurred at commercial building in Scarborough just moments before the structure and a nearby car were found in flames.

According to police, officers were called to a building near Kennedy Road and Eglinton Avenue East shortly before 2:30 a.m. for reports of a break-and-enter in progress.

The structure, as well as a car, were subsequently found engulfed in flames. The building contains a mix of both commercial and residential units.

Firefighters knocked down the blaze and no serious injuries were reported. Approximately 10 people were displaced by the fire, police told CP24.

Police said the fire is being investigated as “suspicious.”

Three people were assessed at the scene for injuries, including a firefighter, and all three refused to be transported to hospital, paramedics confirmed.

Investigators have not provided any information on possible suspects.

The cause, origin, and circumstances surrounding the fire are under investigation.

A resident of the building said he awoke to loud noises and when he ran to the window, he saw smoke.

“I had to get out of the apartment and notify the other neighbours,” he said.

He added that it appears this is the second time a business on the ground floor has been the target of arson.

With files from CP24’s Beatrice Vaisman