Home heavily damaged in evening fire
HAMILTON, ON - Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of smoke conditions at 85 Chancery Drive, Ancaster at approximately 8:03 pm yesterday evening. Upon arrival firefighters found the occupants outside of the house and confirmed heavy smoke conditions inside this two storey detached house and requested an upgrade to a first alarm structure fire which brought additional firefighters to the scene to assist in firefighting operation.
Firefighters searched the home locating a well involved fire in the basement and began to attack the fire from inside the home. The fire had damaged the ceiling joist of the basement causing the first floor to become unstable which forced firefighting crews to withdraw. At this point it became a defensive attack on the fire and to protect the homes on either side. Firefighters were able to effect a successful knockdown and extinguishment of the fire with no fire spread to neighbouring homes.
Damage to the house is extensive and it is estimated that the approximate dollar loss will be $1.5 million. There were no reported injuries to the public or firefighters. Due to the extensive damage and partial interior collapse of the house, the cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time and the Office of the Fire Marshal has been contacted because of the large dollar loss.
For 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.