Firefighters battled a 3-alarm fire in the Pharmacy Ave. and Danforth Ave. area early Tuesday morning.

The call came in shortly before 6:30 to Byng Avenue where two homes were fully engulfed in flames, and spread to two nearby homes due to the winds.

The fire began at a home under construction on 141 Byng avenue, then spread to 143 Byng Ave. Four homes have been damaged due to the blaze.

Nearby homes have been evacuated as a precaution.

Kim, who lives down the street from the affected homes tells NewsTalk 1010 that she heard the fire trucks going by and then saw a big ball of orange flames in the sky.

She says the homes that are affected are badly damaged.

Crews aren't saying what the cause of the fire is yet but arson may be suspected as two neighbours tells NewsTalk 1010 that they found gasoline on their properties.

Police took a person of interest into custody at 41 division for questioning, but later released him without charges. The Ontario Fire Marshall's office is also investigating.

(Photos courtesy of Julie Colbourne)