Hamilton fire crews were busy after a pair of overnight fires downtown.
It started at 12:13 a.m. with reports of a fire at 227 St Clair Blvd. Two occupants were standing outside the two-storey home when firefighters arrived to the sight of heavy smoke coming through the basement windows.
While the fire was contained inside the home, flames got inside the walls causing significant damage. Fire officials have estimated the damage at $400,000. Arrangements are being made for the occupants, who escaped injuries. However, two family cats died in the blaze.
No causes have been determined.
At 2:01 a.m., fire crews were called to a high rise apartment building at 43 Forest Ave. They found a fire on the second floor at Villa Marie III, in the building’s garbage chute. Fire officials say there was heavy smoke on the 17th and 18th floors.
There are no injuries, however, residents of the building were without power. The sprinkler system was activated during the fire, causing damage to the electric system in the apartment. Electra Utilities shut down power to the entire building, pending an inspection by the electrical safety authority.
Damage is estimated at $10,000.