A massive fire at the Wentworth Sports Complex in Hamilton has caused over a million dollar in damages.
While several workers were inside the building when the fire broke out Monday morning, they were all able to safely evacuate, and no one was injured.
Officials say they were first alerted to the blaze around 9:25 a.m. after a caller reported that one of the Zambonis inside the facility burst into flames and began spreading to the structure.
The initial crew to arrive on scene reported seeing “heavy black smoke” coming from the rear of the structure. Upon a closer inspection, they noted that more smoke had filled the building and a “well involved structure fire” was taking place on the west side of the complex.
“Given the presence of ammonia for ice making and propane for the Zamboni(s) the alarm was upgraded to a full Hazardous Materials Response,” Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said.
While the worst part of the fire was brought under control within 20 minutes, its consumption caused part of the building’s roof to collapse where the fire was able to spread to an adjacent roof line. Officials add that they had to open the roof to “get at some deep-seated burning.”
“The fire has now been declared out and a fire watch has been put in place,” Cunliffe said.
Cunliffe estimated that there were over 50 firefighters on scene at the height of the blaze.
He adds that while the westerly section of the facility and its roof were significantly damaged by fire, the entire facility was saturated by smoke, with damages exceeding a million dollars.