Fire forces tenants to evacuate building
HAMILTON, ON - June 26, 2016 - The Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of structure fire in a 22 storey high-rise apartment building located at 20 Emerald Street North, Hamilton at approximately 4:40 pm this afternoon.
Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a working fire on the balcony which had extended into a unit on the 14th floor of the building and smoke conditions on the 14th floor of the building. During their search and rescue operations, firefighters found that there was no one home at the time of the fire.
The fire was quickly extinguished both inside the apartment and out on the balcony. Fire crews immediately started ventilation procedures in order to clear the building of smoke. All residents of the building have returned to their apartment units.
Firefighters contained the fire to the one apartment unit and damage is estimated at approximately $50,000. There were no reported injuries to the public or firefighters and the suspected cause is careless disposal of smoking materials.
The Hamilton Fire Department would like to remind members of the public to be careful when disposing of smoking materials, make sure that they are completely extinguished before disposing of them. This applies whether you are inside your apartment or out on the balcony.
For more information on fire safety, contact our Fire Prevention Division at 905 546-2424 ext. 1380, weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm or visit www.hamilton.ca/fire.