On 13 December 2007, the anniversary date of the Sassafraz five alarm blaze, Toronto Fire Chief Bill Stewart met Sabine Liva Berzina, a grateful artist who donated one of the 20 original paintings that were rescued from the fire to the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association. The proceeds from the art auction are going to the Ross Tilley Burn Centre, a Toronto-based trauma centre for burn victims from across Ontario.

“Afterlight” original oil painting by international artist Sabine Liva Berzina
photo by Captain Adrian Ratushniak

The oil on canvas painting called “Afterlight” is up for silent auction and on display at Sassafraz until 15 January 2008 when the winning bid will be announced. Sassafraz patrons are encouraged to view the painting and place a silent bid.

In this type of auction, all bids are kept secret. The highest bidder wins.

On 13 December 2006, a kitchen fire quickly escalated to a five alarm at the landmark Sassafraz restaurant in the heart of Yorkville. More than 100 firefighters and 22 fire trucks converged at the height of the stubborn blaze which filled the area with heavy smoke. Miraculously, Ms. Berzina’s paintings all survived virtually unscathed.

Sassafraz five alarm fire on December 13, 2006
photo by Captain Michael Strapko