A fire at the Toronto Transit Commission's Wilson Yard interrupted subway service during the busy rush hour on Monday, causing delays for commuters on Line 1: Yonge-University. At around 2 p.m. on February 10, 2025, the TTC reported on social media of the electrical fire which blocked the agency from deploying extra trains typically scheduled during peak hours.
The fire was initially reported to Toronto firefighters shortly before 2 p.m. at the Wilson TTC yard, located at 160 Transit Road. Responders discovered smoke coming from below grade at a hydro vault trackside, not inside any buildings. Although the fire was contained and extinguished quickly, its effects would ripple through the transit system as power was cut to the area, leading to some electrical equipment melting.
According to the TTC, this incident prevented the deployment of the usual extra 17 trains meant to alleviate rush hour congestion. Instead of the planned 55 trains, only 38 were operational during the afternoon rush. “Barring any other disruptions, we estimate waits of up to six minutes instead of the usual three minutes,” the transit agency noted on X, previously known as Twitter, adding they deployed extra staff to monitor the situation and manage potential crowding at key stations.
Riders experienced longer wait times, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the transit system, especially during peak commuting hours. The TTC acknowledged the lighter nature of travel on Mondays but emphasized their awareness of the inconvenience faced by commuters. "We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience experienced during the evening’s rush hour on Line 1," stated a TTC spokesperson.
The response from Toronto Fire was immediate, and they worked diligently to clear out the smoke and manage the situation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the incident. Firefighters' effectiveness ensured normal operations could resume later on the same day, minimizing disruptions.
Just after 8 p.m., the TTC announced on social media, “Normal service has resumed after the fire at the Wilson yard prevented extra trains from being deployed for rush hour.” A temporary solution was put together allowing the transit agency to restore regular service, alleviating passenger anxieties about extended delays.
Overall, the fire at the Wilson Yard highlighted the challenges faced by transit authorities to maintain reliable service amid unexpected incidents. The TTC’s swift communication with the public and their remedial actions to restore service demonstrate their commitment to passenger experience, even under duress. Commuters can only hope such incidents are rare as they navigate their daily routes.