Fire at downtown Hamilton highrise causes $100K in damage

Fire officials are investigating the cause of fire at a Hamilton highrise Thursday night.

Crews were called to Vanier Towers on Hess St. S near Hunter St. W around 8 p.m. Smoke could be seen coming from the 10th floor.

NEW | F21011507 | ALARM CONDITIONS | Loc: 0 Block HESS ST S HAM @ JACKSON ST W/HUNTER ST W /CN: VANIER TOWERS APTS | Units: E11,P1 | 06/03/21 20:08

— HamOnt Fire Dept (@HFD_Incidents) June 4, 2021

Crews located a “well involved” fire in an apartment and balcony. They say the fire was moving toward the balconies above.

Firefighters were able to put out the blaze quickly. The occupant was able to get out of the apartment before crews arrived.

Officials say damage is estimated at around $100,000. There is significant damage to the apartment and the balcony. There is also water damage to the apartment directly below.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.