17 displaced after $2.5M townhouse fire in east Hamilton

The Hamilton Fire Department says no one was injured in a structure fire in the city’s east end which caused an estimated $2.5 million to $3 million in damages.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. Monday, fire crews responded to a structure fire in a multi-residential townhouse complex on Rapids Lane between Canoe and Hibiscus lanes.

Once on scene, crews reported seeing heavy smoke and flames from the rear of a three-story townhouse located at 21 Rapids Ln.

Firefighters then made their way to the back of the property, reporting a well involved fire extending up the walls of multiple units into the roof area.

While battling the blaze, more crews made their way into units 21, 23, 25, 19, and 17 to initiate search and rescue efforts – also checking for any spreading fire.

Firefighters in units 21 and 23 reported heavy fire in the attic space breaking though the roof. The fire also spread into the attic space of units 17, 19 and 23.

Crews worked to extinguish the fire before it spread any further. Unit 25 sustained some damage when crews had to pull down the third-floor ceilings to check for fire in the attic space.

Officials say units 17 and 19 sustained heavy damage in the attic space, adding that units 21 and 23 sustained extensive damage on multiple levels.

The fire department says 17 people have been displaced as a result of the fire.

No injuries have been reported to residents or firefighters.

Officials say total damage to the five units is estimated at $2.5 million to $3 million. They believe the fire started on the rear deck of unit 21. The suspected cause is improper disposal of smoker’s materials.

The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has been notified due to the number of units impacted and estimated cost of damages.

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