2 dead after Parkdale house fire, Toronto Fire says

Two people were killed in a house fire in Toronto's west end early Tuesday, firefighters say.

Emergency crews were called to the home on Wilson Park Road in south Parkdale around 3:25 a.m., Toronto Fire said.

Officials initially said a female was pulled from the detached home but pronounced dead at the scene.

No further information about the victim was immediately available from Toronto Fire or paramedics.

Toronto Fire District Chief Steven Wilson later told reporters at the scene that a second victim was also found in the home.

Crews are now assessing the structural integrity of the building in order to carry out their investigation, which is in the very early stages.

"We're still trying to make the scene safe," Wilson said.

"Our investigators will look to see if smoke alarms are located on every floor, and if they were functioning in this case."

In a statement on social media, Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg offered condolences "to family, friends and all those impacted by this morning's fatal fire.

"The investigation into the origin, cause and circumstances of this tragic fire will commence once safe to do so."

Across Ontario, 8 have died in fires this month

In a video posted on Twitter Tuesday morning, Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg said eight people have died in fires across Ontario through the first six days of the month, which he called a "staggering" figure.

Pegg said that as the holiday season approaches, fire safety needs to be top of mind for everyone.

"I'm asking everyone to check their smoke alarms today," he said.