Working Smoke Alarms Alerts Family of Fire in Their Home

HAMILTON, ON – January 24, 2017 –Working smoke alarms are being credited with alerting the occupants to a fire in their home early this morning. The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at 84 Copperwood Ave at approximately 1:09 am this morning. Upon arrival firefighters found the four occupants outside of the house and confirmed a well involved fire with flames showing from the garage in this two storey detached house.

A Multiple alarm was dispatched to the location to bring additional resources to the scene when the fire began to extend to the neighboring home at 80 Copperwood Ave. Firefighters worked quickly and with an aggressive interior attack were able to effect a successful knockdown and extinguishment of the fire at 84 Copperwood Ave. The fire did cause damage to the exterior cladding to 80 Copperwood Ave but firefighters were able to stop the fire from extending into the interior of this home.  

No injuries were reported and damage is estimated at $700,000 for 84 Copperwood Ave and $20,000 to 80 Copperwood Ave. Due to the extensive fire damage, the Office of the Fire Marshal was contacted for their assistance in determining a cause for the fire.

The Red Cross was also called to the scene to assist the occupants of 84 Copperwood Ave with alternate accommodation.

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 information on fire safety, contact:
Fire Prevention Division
Phone: 905 546-2424 ext. 1380, weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm