Toronto Firefighters Combat Two-Alarm Blaze at Sports Bar

Toronto Fire Services are investigating a two-alarm fire that broke out early on August 15, 2023, at the Rally Sports Bar & Smokehouse, located on O’Connor Drive near Victoria Park Avenue. Firefighters received emergency calls reporting visible smoke and flames at approximately 5:44 a.m. Upon arrival, crews found a significant fire affecting the south side and rear of the establishment, which is currently undergoing renovations.

Firefighters quickly mobilized multiple aerial trucks to combat the flames that had spread into the upper ceiling areas of the building. According to Toronto Fire Platoon Chief Paul Versace, bystanders reported seeing flames and hearing glass breaking from the site. He stated, “Our crews arrived and found a working fire on the front to the left side of the building.”

Deputy Chief Steve Darling, who spoke to CP24, confirmed that the firefighters successfully managed to “cut the main body of the fire down.” They conducted thorough checks for fire extension into the ceiling, which has multiple layers. Fire crews established aerial apparatus around the premises as a precautionary measure, although a defensive response was ultimately not required.

At the height of the incident, approximately 60 firefighters were deployed to manage the situation. They vented heat by cutting holes in the roof and pulling down sections of the ceiling inside the bar. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

Two men, identifying themselves as co-owners of the sports bar, engaged with fire and police officials at the scene. One of the men, named Billy, expressed concern over the circumstances, stating, “I just want to know how this happened.” He added that they were preparing to reopen the bar this month following extensive renovations carried out throughout the summer.

As the investigation unfolds, the cause of the fire remains undetermined. Toronto Fire Services will continue to examine the site to uncover the factors that contributed to this significant incident.