Over $1M in damages after overnight fire at 2 buildings in Hamilton

Two residential buildings in Hamilton went up in flames overnight with over $1 million in damages, but crews say no was injured.

Hamilton firefighters were called to Ottawa St. North between Main St. East and Dunsmure Rd. around 3:45 a.m. on Wednesday to two structural fires.

CHCH News reporter Emily Tayler confirmed with police that both units involved were vacant at the time.

However, officers are not sure if there were squatters – the fire is considered suspicious and the arson unit is also investigating.

READ MORE: Travellers can soon fly from Hamilton to Europe on low-cost Play airline

Firefighters reported heavy smoke and fire through the roof of the one-and-a-half story building.

Additionally, there was heavy smoke and fire showing from the upper floor and the attic area of another one-and-a-half residential home.

Fire Chief David Cunliffe said that the alarm was quickly upgraded, bringing additional resources from across Hamilton to help at the scene.

READ MORE: Norfolk County resident defrauded over $200K to ‘romance scam’

An aggressive interior firefighting operation was initiated for both buildings. According to the release, the fire in the first building was under control within 20 minutes.

However, firefighters inside the second building had to withdraw to implement a defensive/exterior firefighting operation due to the quickly advancing fire.

The operation was successful as the structural fire on the second building was brought under control within 40 minutes.