Extensive damage in vacant house fire

HAMILTON, ON – January 31, 2016 – Hamilton Fire Department received a 911 call at 11:09 pm on the evening  of January 30, 2016, reporting a house fire at 45 Ottawa Street North. Upon arrival firefighters discovered a well involved fire on the second floor of this two storey vacant home with flames at the rear of the home and flames venting from the attic dormer on the south side. 

Due to the close proximity of neighbouring homes, firefighters immediately evacuated the homes on either side of the fire. Firefighters worked quickly to protect the homes on either side of the fire and a multiple alarm was dispatched to the location to bring additional resources to the scene. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire after an aggressive interior attack and were successful in preventing the spread of fire to neighbouring homes.

Damage to the home at 45 Ottawa Street North is extensive and has been estimated at approximately $160,000. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has been contacted to assist in determining the cause. There were no reported injuries to the public and one firefighter was transported to hospital with a leg injury.

Firefighters have completed operations at this scene and Hamilton Police will remain on the scene pending the arrival of the Investigator from the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office. The occupants of the homes on either side of the fire have returned to their homes.