Afternoon fire destroys business and two people homeless
HAMILTON, ON – February 18, 2016 – The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of a fire inside a repair garage, Ralph’s Auto, at 64 Munroe at approximately 2:26 pm this afternoon. This is a one storey commercial car repair garage adjoining a one storey residential home. Upon arrival, crews reported heavy smoke and fire conditions and as a result the alarm was then upgraded to a multiple alarm bringing additional fire crews to the scene.
Crews entered the repair garage but were forced to withdraw due the structural instability of the roof. Shortly after firefighters withdrew from the building the fire extended into the attic of the adjoining home. Both the commercial garage and residential home suffered substantial damages with the residential tenants being assisted by the Red Cross for alternate living arrangements.
No injuries were reported and damage is estimated at approximately $500,000. Due to the extensive fire damage, the Office of the Fire Marshal was contacted for their assistance in determining a cause for the fire.