Multiple-alarm blaze in Hamilton leaves family of six displaced

A multiple-alarm fire Wednesday evening in Hamilton’s east end leaves three homes damaged, eight pets dead and six people without a home.

Hamilton fire received a report of a home blaze around 6:54 p.m. at 103 Gertrude St., between Depew and Rowanwood streets, near Gage Avenue.

Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and flames pouring from the two-storey home. The fire had already spread to the neighbouring houses at 101 Gertrude St. and 105 Gertrude St., which was immediately upgraded to a multiple alarm.

Without confirmation of occupants, firefighters immediately began a search and rescue inside 103 Gertrude St., while other crews fought the fire behind this house and the adjacent homes.

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Hamilton Fire Chief David Cunliffe says the fast-moving fire looked to have started in the back of the house and then began to spread to two homes on either side of it.

Cunliffe says the fire was contained in about 25-minutes. It caused around $750,000 in damages and around $40,000 to the two neighbouring homes.

He says the cause has yet to be determined and no injuries to firefighters and occupants have been reported.

The fire at 103 Gertrude St. claimed the lives of two dogs and six cats. The residents, two adults and their four children, lost their home to the blaze and are currently working with the Red Cross to find accommodations.

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