Arson unit investigates ‘suspicious’ fire at downtown Hamilton business

Hamilton police’s arson unit is investigating an early morning fire in a downtown Hamilton business.

Fire Chief David Cunliffe says fire crews responded to a structure fire around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday at 25 Hess St. North near the corner of George St. in Hess Village.

Initial crews reported a fully involved fire in a three storey building that housed a restaurant. Cunliffe says heavy smoke and fire was visible on the exterior and first floor of the building.

Fire crews say the fire was quickly brought under control before it extended to the second and third floors.

#NEW Sizzle Owner Ken Collett tells me two people with masks broke through a first floor window, “tossed something inside” and then fled. First floor was completely damaged. Top levels affected as well. @morninglive @CHCHNews https://t.co/66iswz9ZBc

— Jason Gaidola (@JGaidolaCHCH) July 18, 2023

The Sizzle Nightclub owner, Ken Collett, told CHCH News that two masked people broke into the club through a first-floor window, threw something inside, and then fled.

Cunliffe says the estimated cost of damage to the building is over $500,000 and the fire is deemed suspicious.

The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office have been notified a long with the police’s arson unit.

READ MORE: 3 sent to hospital, 3 pets dead after east-end apartment fire

Hamilton police have since released surveillance footage of the two people they are searching for in connection to the fire. They were dressed in black, wearing masks and the video show them walking up to Sizzle holding something. Around two minutes later, it appears one of the men walks away towards the street, the other man runs out shortly after.