Multiple-alarm fire causes up to $1M in damage to two Hamilton structures

A multiple-alarm fire involving two structures in Hamilton’s east end has caused $800,000 to $1 million in damage.

A neighbour noticed smoke around 4:15 a.m. coming from the back of a home on Gibson Avenue, between Barton and Cannon streets.

First-arriving firefighters encountered heavy black smoke with visible fire from a garage located at the back of 155 Gibson Ave., and from a two-and-a-half storey residential structure located behind 157 Gibson Ave.

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

Three adults, two children and one cat escaped 157 Gibson Ave. without injury.

Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said 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.

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With the situation not safe for crews, Cunliffe says firefighters 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,” he said.

Crews were on scene all morning and will remain there throughout the day to deal with any hot spots.

One firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation.

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.

Hamilton police are also on Gibson Avenue to help secure the scene as the investigation takes place.

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