Recalled air conditioner started Toronto fire

In the early morning hours of Sept. 6, 2017 Toronto Fire Services (TFS) was dispatched to 104 Rajah St. for a reported structure fire. TFS arrived to find smoke and flames visible from a second floor window and initial crews encountered smoke throughout the entire building.
TFS evacuated the multi-unit residential building including the rescue of a mother and child with ground ladders from an upper floor. Toronto Paramedics Services transported four of the building’s occupants to hospital as a result of the incident. Estimated property damage is $100,000.
The TFS Fire Investigations Unit has completed its investigation into the origin, cause and circumstances of the fire and determined that it originated in a portable air conditioner.
The specific model of this air conditioner is one of three models identified in a product recall alert issued by Health Canada on December 16, 2016.
The hazard identified by Health Canada notes “the portable air conditioners can overheat, posing a fire hazard.” Details of the recall are available at http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2016/61400r-eng.php.