Major fire damages landmark Zanzibar on Yonge Street; building declared unsafe

Zanzibar, a well-known strip club and Yonge Street fixture since 1949, sustained major fire damage early Sunday morning, prompting the City of Toronto to issue unsafe building orders for the property and two adjoining buildings.

Firefighters were called around 6 a.m. after reports of heavy smoke in the area. Toronto Fire Services Chief Jim Jessop said crews encountered heavy flames from the upper levels, and part of the roof collapsed. "The damage from what I've just toured is substantive," Jessop told reporters after visiting the site. "The incident commander made decisions that, to be very honest, saved the rest of this block." No injuries were reported; the building was unoccupied at the time.

A building inspector examined Zanzibar at 359 Yonge St. hours after the fire and determined conditions "could be hazardous to the health or safety of persons" both inside and outside the building. The city's order requires the owner to hire a professional engineer to assess structural stability after Toronto Fire Services completes its investigation. The engineer must supervise any entry to the property and file update reports with the municipality. Fencing now surrounds the building.

Owner Allen Cooper said he and his employees were "devastated" but remained optimistic. "We're going to reopen stronger, bigger and better," he vowed. Zanzibar evolved from a tavern opened in 1949 to live entertainment in later decades, becoming known for theatrical design elements including a hydraulic stage with a shower and performers on swings.

While the investigation into the fire's cause remains in its early stage, Toronto Fire Services found no immediate signs the blaze was suspicious. The investigation is ongoing.