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Person living in Toronto encampment dies in fire, city says

TORONTO — A person who was living in an encampment in downtown Toronto has died in a fire.

Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg says an investigation into the origin, cause and circumstances of the fire is underway.

The city says firefighters were called to the scene around 8:30 a.m.

It's the first fire fatality at an encampment since 2018 and seventh since 2010.

On Wednesday, the city began moving dozens of people living in tents across the city into furnished apartments in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The city says it's a temporary solution as they try to find those people permanent homes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30, 2020.

The Canadian Press


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