Afternoon Fire Forces Tenants to Evacuate Building
HAMILTON, ON – August 5, 2017 – The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of fire on the 5th floor unit in this 17 storey residential apartment building located at 95 Hess Street South Hamilton at approximately 4:38 pm this afternoon.
Upon arrival firefighters confirmed a working fire with heavy flames and smoke in a unit on the fifth floor. The fire began to extend from the fifth floor balcony to the sixth floor balcony directly above, so a multiple alarm was then initiated to bring additional fire crews to the scene to assist in suppression operations.
Firefighters were able to successfully knock the fire down in a short period of time with aggressive tactics. The fire was contained to the two apartment units. No injuries were reported. Residents of the building have returned to their units except for the two occupants of the fifth and sixth floor units.
Damage is estimated at $140,000 for both the fifth and sixth floor units. The probable cause of the fire is electrical in nature.
The Hamilton Fire Department recommends that citizens who live in apartment buildings take the time today to review the posted ‘Occupants Procedures’ contained within your buildings Fire Safety Plan, a copy of which are posted on each floor of your building.
For more information on fire safety, contact our Fire Prevention Division at 905 546-2424 ext. 1380, weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm or visit www.hamilton.ca/fire.