Hamilton Fire responds to three fires over 12-hour period

HAMILTON, ON - Over a 12-hour period, Hamilton Fire responded to three working structure fires in Wards 2, 3 and 9. At the most recent fire, Firefighters rescued 4 people from the burning building. 

At approximately 6:17 pm firefighters responded to a residential structure fire in Ward 9 at 2153 Rymal Road E. on Stoney Creek Mountain. On arrival, crews reported smoke showing from the eves and chimney of a 2-storey residence that was under renovations. Upon entering a small fire was discovered on the main floor that had extended into the walls. The crews quickly knocked down the fire. Damage was estimated at approximately $4,000 and the cause was determined to be electrical in nature. No injuries reported.

At 11:51 pm firefighters responded to a residential fire in Ward 2 at 155 Elgin Street between Barton and Robert in the central part of the City. First arriving crews reported smoke and fire showing from a 2-storey semi-detached residence. Crews quickly initiated search and rescue operations but were forced out of the building due to growing fire conditions. As crews were exiting the building a flash over occurred on the first floor. All members of the crew were able make it out side safely. Crews then re-entered the building and initiated an aggressive interior attack.  The fire was brought under control in a relatively short period of time. The fire was contained to the residence of origin at 155 Elgin with the adjoining unit 153 Elgin sustaining some minor smoke damage. There was extensive damage to 155 Elgin with damage estimated to be in the neighbourhood of $250,000. Both units were vacant at the time of the fire. No injuries have been reported. The fire has been deemed suspicious. The Office of the Fire Marshal has been notified and are sending an investigator to the scene. Hamilton Police are currently holding the scene.

At 5 am this morning firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in Ward 3 at 1216 King Street East at Hilda Avenue, in the City’s east end. First arriving crews reported a fully involved fire on the street level of a 21/2 storey residential over commercial building. The alarm was immediately upgraded, which brought additional resources to the scene. The building has three store front units at street level of which 2 were occupied and 1 was vacant. There are also 2 occupied apartments above the stores. Crews quickly began search and rescue operations and were able to locate and rescue four people from the building. All four individuals were checked by Hamilton Paramedics for smoke inhalation and all four refused treatment. The fire was quickly brought under control. The fire was contained to one of the main level store units with no extension to the upper apartments. There is extensive damage to the involved store unit with smoke and water damage sustained by the other two. There is also smoke damage to the upper apartments. The fire has been deemed suspicious. The Office of the Fire Marshal has been notified and are sending an investigator to the scene. Hamilton Police are currently holding the scene. No damage estimate is available at this time. No additional injuries have been reported.