A fire in Hamilton's East Mountain on Saturday morning has left four people injured, with one of them in critical condition.
In a news release, Hamilton fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said the fire department attended the scene on 987 Mohawk Road East just before 9 a.m and found "heavy black smoke and flame" coming from the top floor of a three-storey building.
After residents informed firefighters there were people still inside, they "immediately entered the building and made their way to the third floor where they were met with heavy smoke and high heat," according to the news release.
Firefighters quickly found one person who was unconscious and performed life-saving measures once outside, and the person was revived.
Three other people were also rescued from the building and suffered smoke inhalation.
Supt. Dave Thompson with Hamilton paramedics said a female in her 20s, a male in his 30s and another female in her 30s were all transported to a local burn trauma centre in serious condition.
He said a male in his 30s was transported to hospital in critical condition.
Cunfille said the Office of the Fire Marshall was notified to assist with the investigation.
"The fire was quickly brought under control but not before the fire apartment suffered significant damage," said Cunliffe, adding two other apartments also suffered water damage. He said damages were estimated around the $500,000 range.
In an email to CBC News, Red Cross spokesperson Heather Hogan said it is working with the City of Hamilton to provide food, clothing, personal services, and accommodations for five people in three households.