Richmond Hill fire that killed 69-year-old man began with vehicle fires, officials say

Posted October 21, 2026 5:42 am.

Last Updated October 21, 2026 7:21 am.

An early-morning structure fire in Richmond Hill has left a man dead and forced the evacuation of two homes, according to police.

Emergency crews were called to the area of Crosby Avenue, between Newkirk Road and Bayview Avenue, at approximately 3 a.m. on Wednesday for reports of a structure fire.

Police initially closed Crosby Avenue between Newkirk Road and Bayview Avenue as firefighters, paramedics and police responded to the scene.

Authorities say the fire damaged two semi-detached homes. Fire crews remained on scene clearing the homes following the blaze.

Police said both homes were evacuated and that one adult male was removed from a residence with vital signs absent. In an update, police told 680 NewsRadio the man, aged 69, has died.

No other injuries have been reported.

The cause of the fire has not been released, and it was not immediately clear how the blaze started.

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