By Rob Gillies
The Associated Press
TORONTO — Toronto’s mayor said Monday he’ll launch a review of all areas that could pose a potential hazard to nearby homes in the wake of a massive explosion and fire at a propane distribution facility in a residential neighborhood.
Mayor David Miller said city staff have been asked to review all similar zoning areas to identify any other facilities that may be operating close to residential communities.
Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate the north Toronto neighborhood early Sunday after Sunrise Propane Industrial Gases exploded shortly before 4 a.m. Witnesses described an enormous fireball that lit up the sky for miles (kilometers).
One firefighter died and a worker at the plant remains unaccounted for. Seventy-four people in the neighborhood suffered minor injuries, officials said. Ontario’s fire marshall is investigating.
Many residents are angry that the plant was allowed to operate so close to the neighborhood of 12,000.
“I’ve asked city officials to provide me with an analysis and recommendations on what the city of Toronto can do through our zoning power in order to ensure our neighborhoods are safe and remain safe when a business such as this operates within the city,” Miller said.
Miller said residents of about 100 homes in an eight block vicinity cannot return yet because officials found asbestos on the site.
Miller said when asbesotos is disturbed and becomes airborne it becomes dangerous to people. He said Ontario’s environment ministry must approve a cleanup plan before residents are allowed back.
Many homes also suffered damage, including six that have been deemed unsafe.
Miller said old municipal bylaws permitted the plant to operate in the area, and that all facilities with chemicals or gas must receive provincial government approval.
The explosions early Sunday blew out windows blocks away and also shut down Canada’s busiest highway, snarling traffic for thousands of travelers for hours.
Some residents said the blast was so forceful they felt their homes rock as though they had been struck by an earthquake. About 46 residents remain at a nearby shelter.
Acting Fire Chief Jim Shelton said the fire was put out late Sunday afternoon.
Officials have yet to release a cause of death for Bob Leek, the veteran firefighter who died at the scene.