The Hamilton Fire Department suspects that a fire in Hamilton's east end was started by a cat.
People living in four apartments at 2520 Barton Street East have been forced out of their homes after a multiple-alarm fire at the building Thursday morning, according to a news release from Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe.
Firefighters responded to the fire at around 7:15 a.m. on Thursday. There was "heavy flames and smoke visible from the windows of a unit on the top floor of the apartment complex."
Cunliffe said a cat "upset" a freshly-used ashtray "onto the bed that resulted in the fire."
The Hamilton Fire Department told CBC Hamilton, in an email, a cat was found alive and handed to animal control. It is unclear whether it was the suspect cat.
Cunliffe said damage to the fire unit caused a "total loss." Total damage to the building is estimated around $600,000. Eight apartments in total were impacted, but occupants of four of them were displaced.
"The bulk of the remaining fire was quickly brought under control. At the time of the fire, four occupants were in the fire apartment, all four were able to safely evacuate prior to Fire’s arrival," said Cunliffe. One person suffered minor injuries and was treated on scene.
The Red Cross was notified and are working with the city to find accommodations for the people displaced.
Cunliffe also said the Ontario Fire Marshals Office has been notified.