Afternoon Fire Forces Tenants to Evacute Building
HAMILTON, ON - The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of fire in a 21 storey high-rise apartment building located at 123 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton at approximately 4:43 pm this afternoon.
Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a working fire on the balcony on the 14th 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 $100,000 and the suspected cause of the fire was careless disposal of smoker’s material on the balcony which ignited combustible items. The occupants of the apartment will not be able to reoccupy their apartment at this time and Red Cross has been called to assist the tenants in finding alternate accommodations.
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 ensure that you have an appropriate container to safely extinguish the article.
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 our website at www.hamilton.ca/fire