Hamilton firefighters battle blaze at downtown building

Hamilton police have shut down parts of a downtown street after a fire broke out at a building Wednesday morning.

Fire crews were called to 21 John St. between King St. East and Main St. East around 11:40 a.m.

When they arrived, they discovered a well-involved fire in the passageway, just south of the Residences of Royal Connaught.

A structure fire has John st closed at Main St. #chch pic.twitter.com/v7LuPA3CHG

— Duane Worth (@DuaneWorth) May 13, 2020

Additional firefighters were called in to help along with members of the Hamilton Police Service.

Fire officials say the flames spread between the first and second floor of the structure.

No injuries were reported.

The building is currently under renovations.

Hamilton fire says crews will be on scene for some time and residents are being asked to avoid the area.

HPS is assisting @HamiltonFireDep with an abandoned building fire on John Street S. between Main St. E & King St E in #HamOnt . Please avoid pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the area for the next couple of hours. Thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/AY0agtQB7h

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) May 13, 2020