Fire kills four in Hamilton

An investigator with the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office says a smoke alarm did not work in a burning townhouse in Hamilton overnight that killed four people, including two children.

Investigator Mike Ross told CTV News Toronto that evidence is still being gathered, but the home at 14 Derby St., near Rymal Road East and Upper Gage Avenue, does not appear to have had working alarms.

“We know the fire started on the first floor — significant fire spread and fire damage throughout the house. The smoke spread throughout the house,” Ross said, adding that the cause and exactly where it started on the main floor is still being determined.

Hamilton firefighters responded to the fire Thursday just after 11 p.m.

“We had a fire in the middle section. We had a fire in the front and back of the unit with heavy smoke,” Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said at the scene.

Hamilton Fire also received reports of people trapped on upper floors.

Crews entered and began search and rescue operations for the passengers. About 30 firefighters responded to the scene and the fire was upgraded to a third alarm, Cunliffe said.

Two adults and two children were placed on the second floor, and rescue operations began.

Four people were taken to a hospital where they later died from their injuries, Cunliffe said.

“This is a very sad event for the family and our hearts go out to all the family members who may be involved, especially at this time of year,” he said.

Hamilton police tweeted that two other people were taken to hospital with serious injuries. Their condition is unknown.

No other information about the casualties was released.

Tim Beckett, deputy fire marshal for the province of Ontario, looks over the front porch of a residence at 14 Derby St., Unit 4, Hamilton, Ont. Friday, December 30, 2022. Hamilton police and the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office are investigating the fire that killed two adults and two children. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power

Cunliffe said crews had the fire under control in about 30 minutes, but the home sustained significant damage.

The Ontario Fire Marshal arrived on the scene Friday morning and began an investigation.

According to them, the fire started from the back of the first floor, spread inside the house, caught fire and burst through the back door.

Two townhouse units on either side of the fire department were evacuated by crews and residents were allowed to return in the morning. There were no other casualties.

Cunliffe added that pet rabbits were found dead at the fire department.

A neighbor, who identified himself as Chris, told CP24 he saw the boy trying to jump to safety.

“It was terrifying, I can't even describe it. I just saw black smoke coming out of their place and it was just a horrible, sad scene. And when one of them tried to jump, we heard little kids in the background saying, 'Save us'.” – he said.

“He tried to jump from the master bathroom. You know, it's a long jump. Neighbors grabbed the stairs, and thankfully most people survived, but it's all sad,” he added.

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horvath said Friday afternoon that her thoughts are with the family's loved ones and the greater community.

“Very sad news regarding the Derby Street house fire that claimed the lives of two adults and two children,” Horvath said.

“Our thoughts are with all their loved ones and the community. I'm grateful to our first responders (Hamilton Fire), (Hamilton Paramedics) and (Hamilton Police) who came to the scene and I know it's tough for them too.”

Cunliffe also praised his crew for helping to rescue the victims. “I'll tell you, it's tough for crews when the results are like they are, but you know they did everything they could to try. and make it better,” he said.