Three individuals are lifeless, together with two youngsters, after a hearth tore by way of an condo unit in central Hamilton on Sunday morning, town’s hearth chief says.
The blaze broke out on the primary flooring of one of many Pier Towers Residences at 35 Brock St., which is close to John and Catharine streets, shortly after 10:15 a.m.
Photographs shared to social media from the scene appeared to point out heavy black smoke billowing from the constructing, as some folks watched from their balconies.
Hamilton Fireplace Chief David Cunliffe mentioned crews arrived and had been instantly met with heavy smoke within the hallways and stairwells, together with a number of folks struggling to exit the constructing.
“We were then performing rescues and assisting people out of the stairwell and the hallways down to the ground floors,” he mentioned.
Hamilton Fireplace Division (HFD) mentioned in a information launch that firefighters on the scene reported heavy smoke and flames seen venting from a second-floor condo.
They mentioned that there have been additionally reviews that two youngsters should still been contained in the condo affected by the fireplace, which was rapidly upgraded to a number of alarms “bringing additional resources from across the City to the scene.” Ultimately, it was deemed a three-alarm incident with greater than 60 firefighters attending the scene.
Deadly hearth Hamilton Jan. 26 Three individuals are lifeless, together with two youngsters, after a hearth broke out in an condo at 35 Brock St. in Hamilton on Jan. 26. (Andrew Collins/ Ontario Chronicle Toronto).
Cunliffe mentioned crews ultimately reached the affected unit on the primary flooring and located flames capturing out into the corridor.
“When the firefighters got to the first floor, to the apartment, we had fire blowing out of the apartment into the hallway,” he mentioned.
“Extreme heat, extreme smoke, extreme flame. Firefighters, tried to get into the apartment. They were, forced back.”
“Under extreme conditions,” crews “pushed their way into the apartment and knocked down the fire,” which closely broken the unit and the hallway, Hamilton hearth mentioned.
“Unfortunately, I have to report that we have two children who have perished in this fire. And we have an adult that’s also perished in this fire,” Cunliffe mentioned.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the affected folks.”
Hamilton Fireplace Chief David Cunliffe Hamilton Fireplace Chief David Cunliffe speaks with reporters following a deadly fore Sunday January 26, 2025.
It’s not but clear whether or not those that died within the hearth are associated.
Paramedics mentioned a complete of 12 folks had been transported to the hospital, considered one of them with out important indicators and 4 others in severe situation.
4 folks had been additionally assessed on the scene, however didn’t need to be taken to hospital, they mentioned.
These injured within the hearth vary in age from a one-month-old child to a 77-year-old senior.
No firefighters had been injured within the response, the chief famous.
A few of the residents who needed to filter out will be unable to return to their houses in the present day.
“The fire has caused significant damage to the fire apartment and also to the first floor,” Cunliffe mentioned.
“We are not going to be able to let people back into the first floor.”
He mentioned the Pink Cross is working to supply momentary shelter second-floor tenants who’ve been displaced.
Hamilton Road Railway buses have additionally been introduced in to shelter those that needed to evacuate their house.
Deadly hearth Jan. 26 Hamiton, tenants displaced Three individuals are lifeless, together with two youngsters, after a hearth broke out in an condo at 35 Brock St. in Hamilton on Jan. 26. (Andrew Collins/ Ontario Chronicle Toronto).
In a submit on social media, Hamilton Mayor Andrew Horwath known as in the present day’s deadly hearth “absolutely devastating.”
“My heart goes out to the victims’ families and all those impacted,” she wrote.
“I’m grateful for the bravery of our first responders and the community’s support during this heartbreaking time. We will be there for all those affected.”
Completely devastating information – three lives tragically misplaced in a morning hearth at 35 Brock St, together with two youngsters. My coronary heart goes out to the victims’ households & all impacted. Grateful for the bravery of our first responders & group assist. We can be there for all affected.
— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) January 26, 2025
It’s not but clear how the deadly hearth began, nor the price of the damages.
The investigation is continuous, HFD mentioned.
The Ontario Fireplace Marshal’s Workplace has been notified, Cunliffe mentioned.
Close by site visitors is affected due to the fireplace and Hamilton police are advising folks to keep away from the realm.
This can be a breaking information story. Extra particulars to return.
