Hamilton townhouse fire in Stoney Creek causes $1M in damages

Residents evacuated in time after a fire broke out at two townhouse units in Stoney Creek, causing about $1 million in damages.

The second-alarm fire occurred at 503 Highway #8 in Stoney Creek, between Spartan Avenue and Dewitt Road, on Thursday afternoon (May 18), Fire Chief David Cunliffe said in a press release.

Cunliffe said, “the suspected cause is careless disposal of smoker’s materials.”

One resident refused treatment by Hamilton Paramedics for minor burns to their feet and legs. No other injuries were reported, according to the release.

Total damage to both units is estimated at $1 million.

The Hamilton Fire Department received a call at about 4:34 p.m. about a fire in the garage of a townhouse unit in Stoney Creek, and it soon learned a car in the driveway was also affected and heavy smoke clouded the area. Crews found heavy smoke and flames engulfing a vehicle on the driveway and a garage attached to the two townhouse units (18 and 19). The fire was also spreading into a common roof area above the garage.

Residents of both units had fled their homes before the crews arrived. More firefighters were brought in to help battle the inferno in the garage and interiors of the residences. They also worked to extinguish the car fire. Crews brought the fire under control in about 25 minutes, the fire chief said.

The blaze caused “significant damage” to unit 19, and “damaged” the adjacent unit 18, according to Cunliffe. Firefighters also cleared smoke that travelled to two other nearby units.