Explosion, fire at east Hamilton home now being investigated as arson

Hamilton police say an explosion and fire at a home in east Hamilton last month is now being investigated as an arson.

At around 5 a.m., on June 1, a home at 18 Tuxedo Ave. North between Main Street East and Dunsmure Road exploded and burst into flames.

Firefighters were able to safely evacuate the residents of the neighbouring homes, but were unable to search the burning home because of significant structural damage.

They say no one was reported injured.

David Cunliffe, the Hamilton Fire Department’s Fire Chief, said the home sustained significant fire damage and expected it to be a complete loss.

Initially, police said they were treating the fire as suspicious.

READ MORE: East Hamilton house explosion now considered suspicious

Hamilton Police told CHCH News Thursday that “the explosion and fire has been deemed as arson.”

The Ontario Fire Marshal along with police continue to pursue the case.

Officers did not say what led to the arson determination. They also did not say what caused the fire.

WATCH MORE: Explosion levels East Hamilton home