Media Release; From Fire Chief

Just before 5:00 am this morning, the Hamilton Fire Department received a report of a possible house explosion and fire at #22 Tuxedo Avenue North between Main St. East and Dunsmure Road. First arriving crews reported a fully involved, partially collapsed residential structure located at #18 Tuxedo Avenue. Given the volume of fire and the exposure to homes on either side, the alarm was quickly upgraded to a multiple alarm, bringing resources from across the City to the scene. 

On scene firefighters quickly initiated aerial operations along with the deployment of large volume hose lines to cover the exposures and begin to extinguish the fire. Houses on either side of the involved home were searched by firefighters and the occupants were evacuated. Due to the significant structural damage to the involved house, firefighters were not able to enter it to complete a search. During the incident with the help of neighbours and the Police, it was determined that the occupants were not at home at the time of the incident and were safe. Based on the suspected nature of the incident, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office has been notified and is responding Investigators to the scene. 

Currently firefighters are still at the scene performing fire watch. The involved home sustained significant fire and structural collapse is expected to be complete loss. Damage to the homes on either side appears to be minor. The evacuated occupants from the two homes have been allowed to return. The Red Cross has been notified to the impacted occupants of #18. At the time of writing damage estimates are expected to be in excess of $500,000.00. No injuries have been reported 

No additional information will be provided

David R. (Dave) Cunliffe (he/him)

Fire Chief
Hamilton Fire Department