Hamilton fire crews battle morning east end structure fire

Hamilton fire crews are battling an early morning east end structure fire.

A neighbour noticed smoke around 4:15 a.m. Tuesday coming from the back of a home adjacent to 157 Gibson St.

It is not yet known where the blaze started.

The residents of the front of 157 Gibson St. tell CHCH News their home is not damaged, but those in the laneway home say they are “lucky to be alive.”

Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said that crews were pulled out of the structure due to an unstable roof. Firefighters were inside attempting to open up the attic space to reach the flames trapped between the ceilings and the upper roof area.

READ MORE: Early evening Welland apartment fire under investigation

Chief Cunliffe explained that with the situation not safe for crews, the department switched to “defensive mode.”

“We can’t get on the roof to open it up like we normally would. So we have to let the fire come open it up so we can get in with the water and aerial to get the fire put out,” said Chief Cunliffe.

Crews are expected to be on scene for the remainder of the morning fighting the fire and dealing with hot spots throughout the day.

Neighbours are instructed to keep windows closed while the smoke and particles from the fire are in the area.

The Office of the Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate the origin and cause of the fire and determine the damages.