Afternoon fire forces tenants to evacuate building

HAMILTON, ON – October 25, 2016 – The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of fire condition in an 18 storey high-rise apartment building located at 181 John Street North, Hamilton at approximately 4:42 pm this afternoon.

Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a working fire on the balcony on the 4th floor of the building which had extended into the apartment. 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 and thereby limiting fire damage to the one apartment unit. Crews immediately started ventilation procedures in order to clear the building of smoke and all residents of the building have returned to their apartment units except for the fire unit.

Damage is estimated at approximately $40,000 and the suspected cause of the fire was careless disposal of smoker’s material from an upper floor balcony which ignited combustible items. The Red Cross was also called to the scene to assist tenants from the one apartment with alternate accommodation.

One person was transported to hospital by Paramedics suffering from a medical condition and two other occupants were also treated on scene but did not go to hospital. One firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion on the scene and returned to full duties.

The Hamilton Fire Department would like to remind citizens that careless use of and disposal of smoker’s materials is consistently one of the leading causes of fires in the City of Hamilton and with this in mind we ask that if you choose to smoke that you do so in a manner that will not place your family and possessions at risk from fire.

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.