Townhome destroyed in overnight fire on Hamilton Mountain

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An overnight fire on Hamilton Mountain has destroyed one townhome and two vehicles.

Crews were called to 110 Essling Avenue near Upper Wentworth St. around 3:30 a.m. Thursday morning.

Hamilton Fire spokesperson Claudio Mostacci says they were able to knock down the fire before it spread to neighbouring townhomes.

All five residents managed to get out safely, including two adults and three children.

A neighbour told CHCH News she came outside around 3 a.m. when she noticed the fire and saw a vehicle parked in the homes garage explode.

She says a second explosion happened moments later inside a car parked in the driveway.

Mostacci says the cars were in close proximity to the home and suffered extensive damage.

The Ontario Fire Marshall has been called in to investigate.

The townhouse complex operated by Hamilton East Kiwanis non-profit homes provides non-profit housing and associated services to families in Hamilton. The executive director of Kiwanis Homes, Brian Sibley says its been a difficult year for house fires in the complex.

“This will be our third fire this year. Now that being said we check our units regularly.”

Sibley says the fires in the other units were caused by smoking and unsafe cooking. The family from this mornings fire is being helped by the Red Cross.

Damage is estimated at $300,000.

Update Multiple Alarm at 110 Essling. Bulk of the fire knocked down. Overhaul continues all crews working. #HamOnt @HamiltonPolice

— Hamilton Fire Dept (@HamiltonFireDep) December 29, 2016