Fire authorities are investigating what appears to be a troubling pattern after flames engulfed a commercial unit at a Scarborough shopping plaza early Thursday morning – the second suspicious fire at the same location in less than two months.
The blaze broke out shortly after 3:30 a.m. at the strip mall near Markham Road and Lawrence Avenue East, sending Toronto Fire Services crews rushing to the scene. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke billowing from a storefront, with flames visible through the windows of what locals identified as a convenience store.
“This is concerning for our community,” said Fire Captain Jordana Rodriguez, who supervised the response team. “When we see repeat incidents at the same location, it raises red flags about potential targeted activity.”
The fire was contained within an hour, preventing spread to neighboring businesses, but smoke damage extended to adjacent units. Police have cordoned off the area with yellow caution tape as fire investigators comb through the charred remains.
This marks the second fire at this plaza since early September, when a late-night blaze damaged three businesses and required more than 40 firefighters to extinguish. That earlier incident resulted in structural damage estimated at $450,000 according to the property management company.
Scarborough resident Miguel Chen, who lives in an apartment building across the street, described being awakened by sirens. “First time it happened, we thought it was just bad luck. Now people are worried. These are family businesses that serve our neighborhood.”
Toronto Police Constable Sarah Williams confirmed that investigators are examining potential connections between the two incidents. “We’re looking at surveillance footage from nearby buildings and speaking with witnesses who may have observed suspicious activity in the hours before the fire started,” Williams told reporters at the scene.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s office has dispatched investigators to determine the cause, with early indicators pointing to possible arson. Fire Marshal investigator Devon Taylor noted that fires occurring during overnight hours at commercial properties often raise suspicion.
“Most accidental fires in business settings happen during operational hours or shortly after closing when equipment might malfunction,” Taylor explained. “Multiple overnight fires at the same location generally warrant closer examination.”
Local business owners expressed growing anxiety about the incidents. Aisha Mahmood, who operates a tailoring shop two doors down from the damaged unit, arrived Thursday morning to find her business inaccessible due to the investigation.
“We’re all worried about who might be next,” Mahmood said. “I’ve owned this shop for twelve years, and now I’m thinking about security cameras and extra insurance. We shouldn’t have to live like this.”
Community response has been swift. The Scarborough Business Association announced plans for an emergency meeting next Tuesday at the community center to discuss security measures and support for affected business owners.
City Councillor Jennifer McKenzie, who represents the ward, visited the scene Thursday afternoon and pledged municipal support. “These small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” McKenzie said. “We’re working with police services to increase patrols in the area and exploring options for emergency business grants for those affected.”
According to Toronto Fire Services data, commercial property fires have decreased citywide by approximately 8% over the past three years, making the repeat incidents at this location particularly unusual.
Insurance adjusters were on site by midday, and restoration crews are expected to begin work once investigators complete their assessment. Plaza management has arranged temporary barriers to secure damaged storefronts.
For longtime Scarborough residents, the fires represent more than just property damage. “This plaza has been here since I was a kid,” said 67-year-old resident Dorothy Williams, who stopped to observe the aftermath. “The convenience store owner knows everyone by name. When these businesses suffer, it tears at the fabric of our neighborhood.”
Police are asking anyone with information about either fire to contact 41 Division or Crime Stoppers anonymously. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether security cameras captured potential suspects, but several businesses in the area have already begun upgrading their surveillance systems.
As cleanup begins, the community faces uncertainty about the future of the damaged businesses. “Insurance helps with rebuilding, but it doesn’t replace lost time or customer relationships,” said plaza property manager Raj Patel. “Some owners are wondering if it’s worth reopening after this second incident.”
Fire officials expect to release preliminary findings from their investigation within the next week.
