Working smoke alarm alerts occupants to fire in their unit

HAMILTON, ON – February 3, 2016 – 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 balcony fire in a 34 storey apartment building located at 150 Charlton Ave East, Hamilton at approximately 7:53 pm on the evening of February 3, 2016.

Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a working fire inside a unit on the 15th floor with fire venting out the balcony door and smoke conditions on the 15th floor of the building.

The fire was quickly extinguished and crews immediately started ventilation procedures in order to clear the building of smoke. The two occupants of the unit were uninjured as they delayed exiting their unit to locate a pet cat but abandoned their efforts because of the heavy fire and smoke. The pet cat was eventually located by firefighters and removed safely outside to the care of the owners. The Hamilton Fire Department would like to stress the importance of never delaying your exit from a burning building for any reason.

Firefighters contained the fire to the one apartment unit and damage is estimated at approximately $45,000. At this time there is no official cause for the fire.

All residents of the building have returned to their apartment units.

Importance of working smoke alarms

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 www.hamilton.ca/fire.