Senior hospitalized after east Hamilton fire
Woman, believed to be in her 80s, transported to burn unit in critical, life-threatening condition
A senior is in critical condition after being pulled from a house fire in east Hamilton on Thursday morning.
In a media release, Hamilton fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said emergency services were called to a fire at 351 Strathearne Ave. near Vansitmart Avenue just after 6:20 a.m. Cunliffe said first arriving crews could see heavy smoke and fire coming from the first floor of the two-storey home. Neighbours told firefighters two people may still be inside the home.
Crews quickly entered the home through the front and back doors, locating a person — without vital signs — in the kitchen on the first floor of the residence.
Cunliffe said the person was removed from the home, with firefighters outside starting lifesaving measures.
Crews were able to regain a pulse, he noted, before the person was taken to hospital. Supt. Dave Thompson told The Spectator that Hamilton paramedics transported a woman, believed to be in her 80s, to a local burn unit in critical, life-threatening condition.
Crews inside the home found a fire in the living room that had spread to the floor, ceiling and walls. While the blaze was brought under control quickly, the house “sustained significant damage,” added Cunliffe.
No other people were found in the search by firefighters.
Cunliffe said damages have been estimated in the $400,000 range. The cause of the fire has not been determined.
The Office of the Fire Marshal has been notified. Spokesperson Sean Driscoll said the OFM will conduct an investigation into the fire. A fire investigator has been assigned and will begin the investigation shortly, Driscoll added.