3 alarm fire in the City's east end

This morning at approximately 8:34 am this morning the Hamilton Fire Department received a report of a structure fire at 2555 Barton Street East between Covington and Lake Ave. in Ward 5. Fire Arriving crews reported heavy smoke visible from a commercial truck repair business. The building has a large truck repair area and a second storey office area and was in the close proximity to two other businesses. Given the rapid growth of the fire, the incident was quickly upgraded. Crews made entry into the structure to initiate interior firefighting operations and had to be pulled out as potions of the roof began to collapse. The alarm was upgraded to a third alarm and exterior defensive firefighting operations commenced. During these operations three aerial apparatus were deployed to direct high volume master streams at the fire in addition to multiple hose lines on the ground. Given the deep seated nature of the fire, it took crews over 4 hours to bring it under control. Firefighters were able to protect the other buildings that were in close proximity and there has been no fire extension reported. No injuries have been reported at this time. During the height of the fire smoke was traveling a southernly direction across Barton street. Residents in the area were advised to shelter in place and close their windows. Crews are expected to remain on scene throughout the afternoon and evening working on extinguishing hot spots. 

The structure has sustained significant damage that is estimated to in the millions of dollars. At this time the origin and cause of the fire in not known. Based on the potential dollar loss the Office of the Fire Marshal will be notified.