Vacant Home Damaged in Early Morning Fire
HAMILTON, ON – February 12, 2018 – Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of smoke conditions at 53 Cathcart Street, Hamilton at approximately 12:15 a.m. this morning. Upon arrival firefighters were met by the occupants of the adjoining house and confirmed heavy smoke conditions inside this two storey attached 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 was quickly knocked down in the basement, but had travelled through the wall space up to the second floor attic space. Firefighters were able to effect a successful knockdown and extinguishment of the fire with no fire spread to neighbouring homes.
The cause of the fire was electrical and not considered suspicious. Damage to the house is extensive and it is estimated that the approximate dollar loss will be $100,000. There were no reported injuries to the public and one firefighter sustained an arm injury during overhaul operation. The injured firefighter was transported to hospital where he was treated and released. The house was vacant at the time of the fire and had working smoke alarms. The adjoining house suffered some minor water damage and the occupants, who safely evacuated their house, were permitted to return.
For information on fire safety, contact our Fire Prevention Division at 905 546-2424 ext. 1380, weekdays between 8:30am and 4:30pm or visit our web-site at www.hamilton.ca/fire.