Careless smoking fire sends one person to hospital

HAMILTON, ON – March 28, 2017 – The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in a 16 storey high-rise apartment building located at 30 Sanford Ave South, Hamilton at approximately 12:34 pm this afternoon.

Upon arrival firefighters confirmed a working fire in a unit on the second floor of the building with heavy flames inside the apartment and smoke conditions on several floors. 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.

Damage is estimated at approximately $60,000 and one person was transported to hospital. The probable cause of the fire was careless smoking and the Red Cross has been contacted for alternate living arrangements for the occupants of the apartment.

Smoking safety tips

The Hamilton Fire Department recommends that citizens who smoke should:

• Never smoke when you feel tired or drowsy
• Never smoke in bed
• Do not allow ashtrays to be filled to the point where they are overflowing
• Keep matches and lighters in a secure place out of reach of children
• If possible, restrict smoking to outdoor locations
• Use only non-combustible ashtrays
• Ashtrays should be designed to prevent a cigarette from falling out
• Never place an ashtray where it can be easily knocked over
• Never leave a burning cigarette unattended
• Keep ashtrays away from combustible materials

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.