Fast action by Hamilton fire prevented a downtown blaze from spreading through a block of older buildings.
At approximately 8:30 pm, the Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at the former Dominion Lending outlet at 161 King Street East between Mary Street and Walnut Street South in the City’s core.
When fire crews arrived they saw a working fire and heavy smoke coming from the first and second floors of a two and a half storey vacant building that had apartments above the store on the main floor. Concerned for fire spread to the adjacent buildings, the alarm was quickly upgraded, bringing additional crews from across the City. Firefighters entered the building for to perform an aggressive fire attack and to initiate search and rescue. Ladder trucks were in operation to gain access to the roof the building. Fire crews quickly brought the fire under control but not before the building sustained significant damage. At this time damage estimates are estimated to be over $500,000. The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has been notified. The cause is not considered suspicious. During firefighting operations one firefighter suffered a cut to their hand minor injuries and was treated and released from hospital.
Leave a comment