Update: Massive house fire in Whitby extinguished

Whitby Fire has put out a residentianal house fire in the west part of town, a blaze that forced the closure of busy Rossland Rd. W at rush hour.

Rossland was closed in both directions between McQuay Blvd and Des Newman Blvd. for several hours as firefighters battled a blaze in a vacant house.

Heavy smoke was visible and the fire was “well involved” when the fire crews arrived. Whitby Fire is currently cleaning up the area.

Durham Regional Police are still asking commuters and residents to choose alternate routes of travel to avoid the area .

Authorities have not provided any details on what caused the blaze.

There have been no reported injuries.

Something is on fire in Whitby right now! Black smoke! pic.twitter.com/mhM0oDkTjl

— Jeremie Frigault 🇨🇦🇫🇷 (@JeremieFrigault) July 12, 2023

smoke visible froom Brooklin pic.twitter.com/RolXTYtmcm

— b l o o (@djbloo) July 12, 2023

Whitby Fire & Emergency Services “A2” Platoon, o/s this evening of a vacant residential structure fire. Heavy smoke visible, well involved on arrival.

Exterior operation, total roof collapse into the structure, numerous lines in operation.

No injuries@WhitbyFire @WPFFAL2036 pic.twitter.com/qmP5yXkydJ

— Durham Region Responses (@DurhamResponses) July 13, 2023

This is a developing story. More to come.