myth toronto fire

Suspicious fire destroys historic restaurant and office building in downtown Toronto

A massive downtown Toronto restaurant and several floors of office space above it are charred this morning after a suspicious early-morning fire that police believe may have been set intentionally.

Police report that emergency crews were first called to the area of Brant St. and King St. W. at 4:08 a.m. for reports of a restaurant fire.

Upon arrival, they discovered a two-alarm blaze originating from the patio of Myth — the buzzy, 5,000-square-foot Greek restaurant that replaced The Citizen at 522 King St. W. in 2021.

"Toronto firefighters made quick work of a 2-alarm commercial/industrial fire this morning on King St. W (W. of Spadina Ave.) The fire has been extinguished," announced Toronto Fire Services just before 7:15 a.m.

"Crews completing overhaul tasks and checking for extension. Thankfully, no injuries reported at this time."

Police told reporters that they suspect arson, noting that a gas canister had been located at the scene.

The extent of damage to the restaurant has not yet been revealed, but police say that there was no damage to neighbouring buildings.

Adelaide Street remains closed from Brant Street to Spadina Avenue, while Brant is closed from Adelaide to King Street as police investigate.

The venue impacted is located right in the heart of the King West club district and was originally built as part of the E.C. Gurney & Co. Stove Foundry in 1872.

It is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act and is considered part of the King-Spadina Heritage Conservation District.

"The entire team at Myth is reeling from the devastating news of a fire at our venue this morning at 4am on Tuesday, February 28th. We are in shock and disbelief but also incredibly grateful that no one was injured as a result," said a representative for Myth to blogTO late Tuesday morning.

"As investigations continue, Myth is providing our undivided attention to local fire and police departments in whatever capacity they require.We know that the coming days and weeks will be challenging, but with the support of our team and our amazing community, rebuilding is on the horizon. Myth will remain closed until further notice."

Lead photo by

Fareen Karim


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