2 children, 1 man dead after apartment building fire in Hamilton

A man and two children have died in the fire at an apartment building on Brock Street Sunday morning.

Hamilton Fire have closed parts of Burlington Street between Hughson and Catharine streets because of a large structure fire in the area.

They say they attended to Eastwood Apartments at 35 Brock St., in central Hamilton where reports of heavy smoke and flames were visible.

Hamilton police say the fire appeared to have begun on the first floor, venting through a second floor apartment.

Hamilton Fire quickly upgraded the alarm to a multiple alarm fire, to bring in additional resources from across the city.

Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe says firefighters were met with heavy smoke and high heat in the building’s hallways while they were helping people evacuate.

He said that the fire was “blowtorching” out of the apartment on the first floor and into the hallways.

The fire chief says the fire has heavily damaged the hallway leading up to apartment on the second floor.

Paramedics told CHCH News 13 people were transported to hospital.

One person was transferred to hospital without vital signs, whose status is currently unconfirmed.

Four people were transported to hospital in serious condition, and eight people were sent in stable condition.

Four people were treated at the scene by paramedics, but did not go to hospital.

Police say the man who died is not related to the two children.

During firefighting operations, Hamilton Fire upgraded the alarm to a third alarm, which brought over 60 firefighters to the scene.

HSR buses were brought to the area to house people that were evacuated.

A media release from the Hamilton Fire Department says The Red Cross has been activated to help any tenants that need shelter after the fire.

The office of the Fire Marshal has been notified and is responding, and the scene is being held by Hamilton Police.

The release reads they are not sure on the dollar loss in damages.

The cause of the fire has not been determined yet.

No firefighters were reported injured.

Social media posts warn of street closures

The City of Hamilton posted on X at around 11:20 a.m. that Burlington Street was closed between Hughson and Catharine Streets because of a large structure fire.

Due to a large structure fire, Burlington St is closed between Hughson St and Catherine St.

— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) January 26, 2025

Hamilton Police later posted on X at just before 12:30 p.m. that they were attending a fire at 35 Brock St.

Hamilton Police are on scene at a fire at 35 Brock in #HamOnt. Traffic is affected, so please avoid the area. @HamiltonFireDep will be providing updates. pic.twitter.com/h9GOWcVHh2

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) January 26, 2025

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath posted on X just before 3 p.m. that her heart went out to the victim’s families and all impacted from the fire.

Absolutely devastating news – three lives tragically lost in a morning fire at 35 Brock St, including two children. My heart goes out to the victims’ families & all impacted. Grateful for the bravery of our first responders & community support. We will be there for all affected.

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) January 26, 2025

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