A "fast-moving" fire in Hamilton's industrial sector heavily damaged a house Wednesday evening, killing eight pets and forcing a family of six from their home, the Hamilton Fire Department says.
Fire crews were called to 103 Gertrude St., near Gage Avenue and Burlington Street, at about 6:54 p.m. after reports of a structure fire, according to a news release from Hamilton Fire Department issued Wednesday.
When firefighters arrived, they found a two-storey house fully engulfed in flames, with heavy smoke and fire already spreading to neighbouring homes at 101 and 105 Gertrude St.
It was initially unclear whether anyone was inside, so firefighters launched an "aggressive interior search and rescue" operation while crews simultaneously worked to contain the fire.
Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said in the release that the fire appears to have started outside at the rear of the home, before climbing an exterior wall and spreading inside. Flames also extended to the rear exterior walls of the neighbouring houses.
"The fire was brought under control in approximately 25 minutes," the release states.
No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters. Two dogs and six cats inside the home died in the fire.
Officials later confirmed the occupants of the home — two adults and four children — were not inside when the fire broke out.
Cunliffe said firefighters' efforts helped limit damage to the neighbouring homes despite the intensity of the fire.
The home where the fire originated sustained an estimated $750,000 in damage, while damage to each of the adjacent houses is estimated at about $40,000, the release states.
The family displaced by the fire is being assisted by the Canadian Red Cross, which is helping arrange temporary accommodations.
The cause of the fire is "undermined," police say. The Ontario Fire Marshal's Office was notified but did not attend the scene.