Hamilton house fire causes at least $300,000 damage

Published September 2, 2022 at 10:15 am

A house fire in downtown Hamilton yesterday afternoon caused at least $300,000 in damage, but firefighting crews were able to keep the blaze from spreading to other homes.

The fire is believed to have started on the exterior of the building and extended into the house at 9 Murray St. W. between James and MacNab streets just after 3 p.m. on Thursday (Sept. 1). The responding Hamilton Fire Department units from the John St. station spotted heavy smoke, and the first arriving crews reported heavy smoke and flames visible on multiple levels including the roof of a two story home and that flames were threatening a row of homes immediately to the west.

The fire broke through the roof, requiring HFD to use an aerial ladder. Alectra Utilities shut off the power in the immediate area, since high-voltage hydro lines were running along the street directly in front of the involved house.

In a release, HFD Chief Dave Cunliffe said the fire was “brought under control” within 20 minutes, adding: “Firefighters were able to stop the fire before it impacted the homes to the west.”

Our crews are active at a multiple alarm structure fire at 9 Murray St. A well involved interior structure fire has progressed through most of the building but is under control. Crews will be on scene for some time #Strongforyou pic.twitter.com/UN2BPK8kDG

— Hamilton Fire Department (@HamiltonFireDep) September 1, 2022