A man in his 80s has died, and a woman in her 80s is receiving treatment at a hospital following a fire in a residential building in Hamilton early Thursday morning, officials report.
Emergency crews responded to an incident at the De Laurentian apartments located at 1266 Fennell Ave. E., between Princton Drive and Shirley Street, shortly before 5 a. m.
Fire Chief David Cunliffe stated that first responders were met with heavy smoke and flames coming from a fourth-floor apartment at the back of the building.
He mentioned that firefighters entered the unit and discovered two individuals inside. The woman was evacuated from the building and taken care of by Hamilton Paramedic Service.
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The Hamilton Fire Department estimates damage costs to be around $150,000 after Thursday morning’s fire. (Paul Smith/CBC)
Initially, paramedics reported that the woman’s condition was critical; however, Cunliffe later informed reporters on-site: “The condition has now been upgraded to stable and they are still in hospital.”
Cunliffe also shared that firefighters found a man in the bedroom where the fire was most severe. He succumbed to his injuries.
The fire was quickly extinguished, but significant damage occurred due to fire and smoke, he added. Damage is estimated at approximately $150,000.
He noted that the fire seems to have been confined to one room, although there is extensive damage within that unit.
“The fire looks like it had burned for some time, but it was contained within just one room,” Cunliffe explained.
The fire chief confirmed that a cat also perished in the incident.
Police closed Fennell Avenue E., near where the fire took place but reopened it around 7:30 a. m.
Other residents who evacuated have since returned to their apartments, except for those on the affected floor which remain under police control.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting an investigation. The scene remains secured by Hamilton Police Services.
The Office of the Fire Marshal indicated they are currently in preliminary stages of their investigation aiming to determine how and why the fire started.
Cunliffe mentioned they are looking into whether or not smoke alarms were operational in the building; however, one tenant did report being alerted by smoke alarms.
Resident recounts frantic escape
Kristina Knafelc, who lives in the complex, said she woke up around 4:30 a. m., prior to emergency crews arriving on scene.</t
A fire on the fourth floor of a residential building near Fennell and Upper Kenilworth avenues resulted in one adult’s death while another was hospitalized according to police reports from Thursday. (Paul Smith/CBC)<t
“I heard an alarm. I didn’t know if it was a fire alarm,” she recalled.
Knafelc explained that when she opened her apartment door she saw smoke filling up the hallway so she hurriedly grabbed her phone and keys. She left with another resident without delay.
“There was another gentleman in the hallway,” she shared. “He said quickly, Kristina, go, go, go down in the elevator! Let’s get out!” They went down together; as they walked around outside Knafelc noticed flames shooting out.
Knafelc described her experience as overwhelming.
“It felt so surreal. I still haven’t quite processed it,” she said.
She expressed concern about whether or not the flames would spread further.
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Knafelc mentions she’s been living there for nearly two years now.(Paul Smith/CBC)<t
“I thought everything would catch on fire,” she admitted while feeling scared for her safety.”Things can be replaced – it’s my life I worried about getting out.”.
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Safety precaution could improve outcomes
Knafelc noted there had been recent checks performed on smoke alarms throughout their residence just days prior; yet she feels more measures could enhance safety.
“We should conduct monthly evacuation drills perhaps – see how promptly everyone exits,” Knafelc suggested thoughtfully “Something needs changing here.”
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