Police investigating 3rd suspected arson in Toronto in less than a week
Investigators say blaze not believed to be linked to 2 other arson investigations that are connected
Toronto police are investigating a fire at a business in Scarborough early Tuesday as a suspected arson.
It's the third arson investigation in the city in less than a week — though police say they do not believe this incident is linked to the previous two, which do appear to be connected.
"We understand that these events are concerning to the community and local business owners," Toronto police spokesperson Stephanie Miceli said at a Tuesday afternoon news conference. "We want to assure the public that these investigations are active and ongoing, and we're committed to identifying those responsible."
The latest incident happened in a plaza near Birchmount Road and Vauxhall Drive around 3:15 a.m., Toronto police said in a post on X.
Fire crews extinguished the fire, which did not spread, Toronto Fire said. There were no injuries, they said.
Crews remain on scene, and fire investigators have been notified.
Police said the investigation is ongoing. There is no suspect information available at this time.
In an email Tuesday, Miceli said she did not have information on the type of business involved. A reserved parking sign on the side of the building refers to it as a "Greek coffee shop."
Images from the scene Tuesday show the building's front windows were broken.
This fire follows a suspected arson at a Scarborough restaurant on Friday near Kennedy Road and Lawrence Avenue E.
"It's alleged that three masked suspects forced their way inside, poured accelerant throughout the premises, and set the fire before fleeing," Miceli said.
"Thankfully, several employees who were inside at the time were able to exit safely and were not injured."
Ontario's Office of the Fire Marshal is not investigating the incident.
Suspected arson in East York injured 3 last week
Another fire happened at a restaurant in Scarborough early Saturday morning near Kennedy Road and Lawrence Avenue E. Police didn't label the incident a suspected arson at the time and said they are investigating the cause.
"In this case it's alleged that two masked suspects broke in, set a fire using accelerant, and fled the scene in a silver SUV," Miceli said.
No one was inside at the time, and no injuries were reported. "At this time we do believe these two incidents are connected," Miceli said.
Mayor Olivia Chow said she received a full briefing from Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop on Saturday and Tuesday, speaking at an unrelated city announcement Tuesday.
She declined to comment further on the incidents, saying the Ontario Fire Marshal and police are investigating.
Chow told CBC Radio's Metro Morning earlier Tuesday she doesn't think people should be concerned about going to restaurants in Scarborough as the fires have happened during early hours "when the customers were not there."
"We'll keep people safe," she said.
Police are also investigating a suspected arson at a two-storey building in East York on Wednesday that sent three people to hospital for minor smoke inhalation.
The incident happened at 834 Pape Avenue at a building with a business on the main level and a residential space above, police said at the time.
Investigators are looking for three suspects who allegedly broke into the building, set fire to it and then fled. They wore dark clothing and masks, and were carrying red gas cans, police said.
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With files from Clara Pasieka, Adam Carter and Metro Morning