Fatal fire at residential apartment building

HAMILTON, ON – October 6, 2017 – The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in an 17 storey high-rise apartment building located at 95 Hess Street South, Hamilton at approximately 1:24 am this morning.

Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a working fire in a unit on the 16th floor of the building and smoke conditions on the 16th floor of the building. During their search and rescue operations, firefighters located and removed the lone occupant from the apartment. The patient was immediately placed in the care of Paramedics who transported him to hospital. The patient was pronounced at hospital that they had succumbed to their injuries.

The fire was quickly extinguished and crews immediately started ventilation procedures in order to clear the building of smoke. Firefighters contained the fire to the one apartment unit and damage is estimated at approximately $20,000.

At this time there is no official cause for the fire and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has been notified due to the fatality of the occupant and to assist in determining the cause of the fire.

The Hamilton Fire Department  recommends that citizens who live in a high-rise apartment building take the time to review the posted ‘Occupants Procedures’ contained within your buildings Fire Safety Plan, a copy of which is 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.