Hamilton fire causes up to $400K in damage to Ottawa St. buildings

The Hamilton Fire Department says a structure fire on Ottawa Street has caused up to $400,000 in damage Thursday afternoon.

At approximately 1:16 p.m., firefighters received reports of a structure fire at 226 Ottawa St. North, between Britannia and Edinburgh avenues.

Crews en route to the scene reported seeing a large smoke plume coming from the area of the fire.

After arriving on scene, officials say they saw smoke coming from an adjacent commercial building at 226 Ottawa St. North. The alarm was then upgraded to a multiple-alarm.

Fire crews then entered 224 Ottawa St. North, finding a well-involved fire on the second floor at the back of the building that had moved into the roof area.

They say the blaze was quickly brought under control.

Firefighters entered the main floor commercial space of 224 and 226 Ottawa St. finding “heavy smoke conditions” in both restaurants, but no fire.

Officials add that all occupants in both buildings at the time of the blaze were able to evacuate prior to crews arriving on scene. No injuries have been reported.

The Hamilton Fire Department says damage from the fire and smoke is estimated to be in the $350,000 and $400,000 range.

Authorities say the suspected cause of the fire is the “improper use/disposal of smoker’s materials.”

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