Toronto firefighters have taken control of Drake’s viral Iceman installation, using hot water to melt what remains of the massive ice structure after days of escalating chaos at the site.
The installation, which was designed to tease the release date of Drake’s upcoming album, quickly became a hotspot for fans attempting to speed up the reveal. But what started as a creative rollout turned into a growing safety concern.
Officials say emergency crews were called after reports of risky behavior, including people using open flames and flammable liquids to melt the ice. Others were seen climbing the structure and chipping away at it with tools, raising fears about potential injuries.
Fire officials described the situation as dangerous, noting that uncontrolled flames in a crowded public setting posed an immediate risk. In response, crews began actively reducing the structure themselves.
Rather than allowing fans to continue interfering, firefighters have been spraying the installation with hot water to safely shrink it down. They’ve also been monitoring runoff and surrounding conditions as part of the operation.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow backed the decision, emphasizing that public safety had to come first, even as the city embraces the excitement around Drake’s rollout.
“The fire chief made the decision last night, and I support his decisions. His responsibility is people’s safety,” said Chow, per CP24. “Folks climbed it. I seen them doing all types of things. It is our responsibility to make sure people are safe.”
She added, “Drake is a big supporter of our city and there’s so much excitement across our city towards this new album, the Iceman. I’m excited too, it’s going to be a great summer … but please, be safe.”
Chow also addressed questions about the use of city resources, noting that ensuring safety is a core responsibility. While she said there are currently no plans to recover costs tied to the response, she added that she would follow up with police and fire officials for further clarity.
Police had already placed barriers around the area earlier in the week, but crowds’ continued attempts to dismantle the structure forced emergency services to take a more hands-on approach.
The installation had been part of Drake’s unconventional rollout for Iceman, with the release date initially hidden inside the ice. That mystery was ultimately short-lived, as livestreaming content creator Kishka allegedly uncovered the information ahead of schedule.
