2 people in critical condition following house fire near Centre Mall

Two people are in critical condition after an early morning house fire near Centre Mall.

Hamilton fire says that the multiple-alarm call on Dalkeith Avenue has been knocked down and is now under control.

The fire broke out around 1:15 a.m. Tuesday.

Fire Chief David Cunliffe said that when firefighters first arrived, they immediately went into the home and began search and rescue operations, where they found two people who needed life-saving measures.

“They got into the rear of the home and found two people in the back. They were able to get those people out,” he told CHCH News. “One of those individuals was vital signs absent. Firefighters outside very quickly started life-saving measures.”

He added that the second person was brought outside in the immediate moments that followed, and they, too, were given life-saving measures on the scene before being transported to the hospital. A pet dog was also rescued.

The neighbouring homes had to be evacuated as crews fought to contain the blaze, witnesses tell CHCH News.

However, damages to the adjacent residences managed to be limited, Cunliffe wrote in an update Tuesday morning.

He estimates damages in the home where the fire broke out to be around $650,000.

The Office of the Fire Marshal has been notified.

Our crews are active at a multiple alarm structure fire at 8 Dalkeith Ave. 2 occupants have been rescued and transported to hospital. The fire is under control and crews are overhauling. The Office of The Fire Marshal has been notified. pic.twitter.com/ewmPRxvVSh

— Hamilton Fire Department (@HamiltonFireDep) March 19, 2024