Multiple-alarm fire in east Hamilton displaces 18 people, $900K in damages

A fire at an apartment building in east Hamilton has displaced 18 people.

The blaze broke out shortly after 7:20 p.m. at 1257 King Street East, between Glendale Avenue North and Belview Avenue.

Officials say the initial crews on scene reported “heavy black smoke visible from all floors” and encountered high heat and flames upon making entry. The fire was then upgraded to a multiple-alarm call, scrambling additional crews and equipment to the scene.

Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said all of the tenants were able to self-evacuate.

According to Hamilton EMS, one person refused assessment and transport by paramedics.

Andrew Selman told CHCH News when he noticed the black plumes of smoke coming from the building, he sprang into action.

“I was walking the dog, and noticed smoke…I came to check it out because I didn’t hear any sirens,” Selman said.

He said some of the building’s residents who were able to evacuate told him there was still a family inside.

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“I didn’t go inside…the stairs were on fire,” Selman said. “I kicked open the door, and smoke came out, as did the family.”

While Hamilton officials commend Selman’s actions, they also reminded residents that such actions put people in danger.

“It’s important to remember that people are putting themselves at risk when you have a fire of that magnitude…circumstances could have been different if that person put themselves in extreme danger,” police said.

Officials closed the roads for about three hours around King Street East and Belmont Avenue while firefighters worked at the scene.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but is not considered suspicious and police say the fire marshal did not attend the scene.

Cunliffe says one of the first floor apartments sustained “heavy” damages and the rest of the building were “significantly impacted by heat and smoke.” He adds that hydro to the building had to be temporarily shut off and the 12 people who call the building home are unable to return.

Officials estimate there to be between $800,000 and $900,000 in damages.

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