The Hamilton Fire Department says a structure fire on Ottawa Street has caused up to $400,000 in damage Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n
At approximately 1:16 p.m., firefighters received reports of a structure fire at 226 Ottawa St. North, between Britannia and Edinburgh avenues.<\/p>\n
Crews en route to the scene reported seeing a large smoke plume coming from the area of the fire.<\/p>\n
After arriving on scene, officials say they saw smoke coming from an adjacent commercial building at 226 Ottawa St. North. The alarm was then upgraded to a multiple-alarm.<\/p>\n
Fire crews then entered 224 Ottawa St. North, finding a well-involved fire on the second floor at the back of the building that had moved into the roof area.<\/p>\n
They say the blaze was quickly brought under control.<\/p>\n
Firefighters entered the main floor commercial space of 224 and 226 Ottawa St. finding \u201cheavy smoke conditions\u201d in both restaurants, but no fire.<\/p>\n
Officials add that all occupants in both buildings at the time of the blaze were able to evacuate prior to crews arriving on scene. No injuries have been reported.<\/p>\n
The Hamilton Fire Department says damage from the fire and smoke is estimated to be in the $350,000 and $400,000 range.<\/p>\n
Authorities say the suspected cause of the fire is the \u201cimproper use\/disposal of smoker\u2019s materials.\u201d<\/p>\n