Strengthening Fire Safety in Condominiums: Lessons from a Recent Toronto Incident
A recent high-rise fire in Toronto—captured in a video now circulating online—offers an important reminder for property managers, condo boards, and residents alike: fires in tall buildings come with hazards that extend well beyond the building.
In the video, flames and smoke are seen pouring from a mid-level balcony. Debris from the fire falls toward the ground below, a dangerous but often overlooked consequence of balcony and suite fires. This type of falling debris not only poses a direct risk to anyone near or evacuating the building, it can also complicate emergency response efforts.
Exterior Assembly Areas: A Critical Part of Fire Safety Planning
This incident reinforces the importance of pre-planned exterior assembly areas and ensuring building occupants remain at least 150 feet from the building perimeter during a fire event. In dense areas in downtown Toronto, some exterior assembly areas should be over 250 ft. The goal is two-fold: keep residents safe from falling materials and give responding fire crews clear, unimpeded access to the building and its systems.
These practices are not just procedural—they're preventative. When occupants are aware of where to go and why it matters, the risk of secondary injuries drops significantly, and emergency operations are more effective.
A Familiar Summer Risk
While the investigation into this fire remains ongoing, early signs point to a potential cause that has become all too common: the improper disposal of lit materials, such as cigarettes or cannabis, from balconies. Each summer, this pattern emerges across the GTA—leading to preventable fires that put lives at risk and result in costly damages. Unfortunately, these incidents are not always viewed as a systemic issue within buildings, but they should be.
A Proactive Approach for Condominium Communities
Condominium corporations and property managers have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to engage their communities with timely, clear communication about this specific risk. Whether through seasonal bulletins, resident meetings, or digital outreach, education remains one of the most effective tools in preventing these types of fires.
At the same time, recognizing the steps your team is already taking to strengthen your building's fire safety program can go a long way in building resident trust and cooperation.
Supporting Safer High-Rise Communities
At National Life Safety Group, we work closely with property managers, boards, and fire departments to support safer high-rise living. From refining Fire Safety Plans and conducting staff training, high-rise risk & compliance assessments, to helping buildings engage residents on key safety topics, our focus is on creating programs that are practical, effective, and tailored to the realities of modern residential buildings.
If your team is reviewing your emergency procedures or looking to improve resident engagement around fire prevention, we’re here to help.
Learn more at www.nationallifesafetygroup.ca