A vacant commercial building in downtown Hamilton is a “total loss” after engulfing a massive fire on Saturday morning, according to the city’s fire chief.
No one was injured in the blaze reported to Hamilton firefighters shortly after 6 a.m. The four-storey building was previously occupied by Hamilton Store Fixtures.
Hamilton Fire Chief David Cunliffe said in a statement released later in the day that the fire in the building at 206 King Street West near Caroline Street South was under control.
He adds that firefighters were concentrating in the afternoon on extinguishing hot spots and fires, and heavy equipment was being used to dismantle part of the structure which posed safety concerns.
According to the fire chief, the fire burned for hours and completely destroyed the building.
” There was significant structural collapse on all four sides of the building. “
Sections of the walls of the burning building also fell on a building to the east housing a restaurant, on vehicles in a parking lot north of the building, as well as on neighboring streets. He adds that debris damaged streetlights, traffic lights and a bus shelter.
He said firefighters who entered the building to try to put out the fire from inside early Saturday were confronted with flames, intense heat and thick smoke. Eventually, the crews decided to fight the fire from the outside.
David Cunliffe adds that an increasing number of city firefighters attempted to put out the blaze as conditions worsened. At the height of the blaze, 45 firefighters were on the scene.
The heavy wood inside has created what the chef calls a fire deep. The fire department has also used a drone in its efforts to fight the flames.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing and no estimate of the total cost of damage has been provided.
The fire department notified the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office due to the extensive damage.
The fire involved a balcony fire?
The fire chief believes embers from the blaze may have started a balcony fire in a nearby apartment.
He said the suspected secondary fire was quickly contained to the balcony, but damage is estimated at $25,000.
At one point, the fire department asked people living in the immediate area of the main blaze to stay indoors and keep their windows closed as large plumes of smoke were moving east. and across the mountain.
Radio Canada
Source: Radio-Canada
