An empty commercial building in downtown Hamilton has partially collapsed after a fire ravaged the space Saturday morning.
At around 6 a.m., crews were alerted to a fire in a four-story building last century at 206 King Street West.
Large volumes of smoke could be seen coming out of the building.
“We found fire on the first floor and we were beginning to experience intense, high heat. The smoke conditions were changing rapidly and due to the changing fire conditions, we brought our equipment for safety,” he said. fire chief David Cunliffe told reporters. scene.
Cunliffe said the building was previously used for health fixtures and warehouses and contained heavy wood inside, which contributed to the intensity of the fire.
The building was reportedly scheduled to be converted into a condominium building.
The fire spread to all floors and was upgraded to a third alarm, with about 45 firefighters attending the scene at the height of the fire.
The crews launched a defensive attack and installed three air units to attack the fire with large volumes of water.
“While we were fighting the fire from the side we had a structural collapse. Walls fell on all four sides of the building. On the east side, (the wall) fell on the neighboring building. No one was injured. with these collapses, “Cunliffe said.
As a result of the partial collapse, large amounts of debris are scattered along King Street.
Meanwhile, Cunliffe said a fire broke out on the balcony of a condominium near 20 George Street and is believed to have started because of the embers in the building’s fire.
“Fire crews responded very quickly and we put out the fire with minimal damage to the balcony.”
No civilians or firefighters were injured.
A nearby resident, who identified himself as Marwan, lives in front of the building and said he woke up with the smell of smoke.
“I went to my balcony, I looked to the left and there was a big fire in this building. I saw the police everywhere and an ambulance and it was really a huge building, so I don’t know how it happened. because of the smoke. I couldn’t see anything. It was terrible, “he said.
Cunliffe said it is unknown where the fire started in the building and what caused it.
“Right now, this fire is still deeply rooted. We will be on the scene for most of the day, if not until dusk. And we continue to have a structural collapse,” Cunliffe said.
Teams said the smoke from the fire migrated east and through the mountain.
Residents are advised to keep their windows closed.
The Fire Department is aware of the blaze, but it is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.
As of Saturday afternoon, teams said most of the fire was extinguished, but they are still on site extinguishing hot spots and clearing debris.
Road closures in the area are expected to continue for the rest of the day.
Our teams are working on a multi-alarm structure fire at 206 King St. W. Large vacant building well involved. The teams will be on stage for a while. pic.twitter.com/4Jar6GvMsU
– Hamilton Fire Department (@HamiltonFireDep) June 18, 2022