A working smoke alarm alerts family to fire in baby's bedroom

Hamilton, ON – September 9, 2017 – A working smoke alarm is being credited with alerting the occupants to a fire in their unit. The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of fire on the 9th floor in this 11-storey residential apartment building located at 264 King Street East in Hamilton at approximately 9:52 am this morning.

Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a working fire in a unit on the 9th floor and smoke conditions in the common corridor on the 9th floor of the building. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews immediately started ventilation procedures in order to clear the building of smoke.

No injuries were reported except for the family pet cat which unfortunately perished in the fire. All of the residents of the building have returned to their units except for the occupants of the 9th floor unit who will be assisted by Red Cross for alternate living arrangements.

Firefighters contained the fire to the one apartment unit with damages estimated at approximately $85,000 and the probable cause of the fire is electrical.

This incident highlights the importance of working smoke alarms. An operational smoke alarm will provide you with the protection and early warning that you need to give you and your family the best chance to survive a fire in your home. The Ontario Fire Code requires that you install a smoke alarm on every storey of your home, including basements.

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 our website at www.hamilton.ca/fire