Hamilton city worker honoured for heroic rescue in burning home

A Hamilton Public Works employee has been honoured after risking his life last month to save a mother from a burning home in the city’s east end.

On June 17, the fire broke out at a home on Cope Avenue between Main Street East and Dunsmure Road with three people inside and resulted in half a million dollars in damage.

Paul Toth was on his way to catch a bus to work when he spotted the fire and ran to help.

With the help of a bystander, Toth went into the home multiple times and rescued a woman who was trapped inside.

Toth, a father of five, has worked for the city for 23 years.

The dramatic early morning rescue had neighbours and Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe praising the veteran city employee for his bravery under extremely dangerous conditions.

When asked if the employee saved their lives, Cunliffe said, “I would suggest to you yes, absolutely.” However, he noted they put themselves at extreme risk. “Very quickly that individual could have been another victim.”

WATCH MORE: Hamilton city employee risks life to help rescue residents from house fire