Hamilton firefighter injured while battling fire at vacant downtown building

A Hamilton firefighter has been sent to hospital after being injured while battling an early morning fire at a vacant building in downtown Hamilton on Monday (July 12).

The Hamilton Fire Department (HFD) said crews were called to 202 Cannon St. E at the corner of Cathcart just after 3:30 a.m. Monday.

“First arriving crews reported heavy smoke and a well-involved fire on the first floor of a large two-storey block building with fire lapping up to the second floor and roof area,” an HFD press release said.

“Based on the conditions present and number of apartments/rooms within the building, the alarm was upgraded and additional resources from across the City were dispatched.”

Crews are working at a multiple alarm structure fire at 202 Canon St. E. We’ll involved fire in a large 2 storey building. Building vacant on arrival. Fire is under control. Crews still working on the roof area. #StrongForYou pic.twitter.com/9RlAft6ElI

— Hamilton Fire Department (@HamiltonFireDep) July 12, 2021

The blaze was brought under control in 20 minutes, the release said.

The building is reportedly undergoing renovations and no one was found inside during search and rescue operations.

One firefighter was sent to hospital for treatment after sustaining a hand injury during the operation.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time but the damage to the building, particularly the first and second floor, is extensive and the Fire Marshal will be notified.

Hamilton Police remain on scene assisting @HamiltonFireDep with the below road closure in relation to an early morning fire of a vacant building. Please take an alternate route this morning. https://t.co/tYp4bkFHSz pic.twitter.com/iPQgkiSHAs

— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) July 12, 2021