Evening fire forces tenants to evacuate building
HAMILTON, ON - February 10, 2017 - The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in a 1st floor unit in a six storey residential apartment building located at 385 Queenston Road, Hamilton at approximately 10:50 pm last night.
Upon arrival firefighters confirmed a working fire in a unit on the first 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. During their search and rescue operations, firefighters located the lone occupant of the apartment who had sought refuge from the fire on their balcony.
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 with some minor fire extension into the unit directly above. Crews immediately started ventilation procedures in order to clear the building of smoke. No injuries were reported and all residents of the building have returned to their units except for the lone occupant of the first floor unit who will be staying with friends.
Damage is estimated at $80,000 for the first floor unit and $20,000 for the second floor unit. 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.