A suspect has been identified in the series of small paper fires that occurred yesterday between 2:40 and 2:45 pm in the Bloor Street West and Avenue Road area, including at Victoria and St. Michael’s colleges. There have been no injuries reported. U of T wrote that the fires were quickly extinguished, and the property damage was described as “minor.”

Toronto Police Service (TPS) has identified Yuriy Khraplyvyy, age 42, as the suspect. Khraplyvyy is wanted for three counts of Arson Causing Damage to Property, one count of Mischief Under, and one count of Mischief Over, according to a TPS press release.

Khraplyvyy is described as a clean shaven male with short dark hair, who was seen wearing sunglasses, a dark sweater, and grey pants at the time of the incident. TPS asks anyone with information to contact police.

In an announcement to the community, U of T wrote, “An individual accessed multiple buildings on the St. George campus over the past 24 hours, lit small paper fires and left.” In response, Campus Safety has increased patrols. 

Yesterday at 4:35 pm, there was a fire in the basement of Victoria College Building — known as “Old Vic” — and 17 firetruck units were dispatched. Toronto Police Services (TPS) have not yet confirmed whether the incidents are connected, but U of T wrote that one of the incidents took place at Victoria College.

“Your vigilance could prevent further incidents.”

In the alert sent about the fires, U of T wrote that any suspicious activity should be reported to Campus Safety, and all fire alarms should be treated seriously. 

The U of T community has been told to “not allow anyone to enter behind you through doors with controlled access, even if they appear familiar or claim to have forgotten their credentials… If someone asks you to hold the door, politely direct them to the proper entry procedures.”

If a fire is discovered, students should activate the nearest fire alarm, use the nearest fire extinguisher if able, leave the area, and call 911. The alert concluded, “Your co-operation and awareness are essential to keeping everyone safe.”

U of T wrote that they have nothing to add beyond the alert sent. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

Editor’s note: this article was updated on January 15, 2026 to include updates from the TPS press release.