No one was injured following a multiple-alarm fire that caused nearly $1 million in damage to two homes in Hamilton’s east end Wednesday.
The Hamilton Fire Department responded shortly before 2 p.m. to a report of a structure fire at the home on Barnesdale Avenue North, just north of Barton Street East.
A fire truck from the Wentworth and Barton station reported a heavy smoke plume visible in the area.
Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe says crews arrived to heavy smoke and fire at the back of a two-and-a-half-storey home, with flame exposure to the nearby homes.
It was upgraded to a multiple-alarm fire just minutes later, bringing resources from across the city to the scene.
Cunliffe says firefighters entered the home to initiate search and rescue and were met with heavy smoke, high heat and flames as they worked their way in. As this was happening, additional firefighters deployed lines to cover the flames touching the two nearby homes.
“This was a well-involved fire that made its way through the walls and floors to the upper floors and the attic space,” Cunliffe says.
“It took firefighters approximately 40 minutes to bring the fire under control.”
Fortunately, an occupant of the home was able to get out safely before the fire department arrived.
Cunliffe says the fire caused significant damage to the house and some damage to the back of the home to the south.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has been notified and will assist in determining the cause.
Firefighters remain on scene conducting a fire watch.