A multiple-alarm fire in a home on Stoney Creek Mountain early Wednesday evening has caused nearly $1.3 million in damages.
The Hamilton Fire Department received several reports around 6:30 p.m. of a structure fire at 7 Cactus Court between Bedrock Drive and Queen Mary Boulevard.
Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe says in an emailed statement that crews arrived to find heavy flames and smoke coming from the two-storey home.
More firefighters from across the city were called in as soon as it was upgraded to a multiple-alarm blaze.
Cunliffe says crews searched the home but soon learned that two occupants escaped on their own.
Fire crews were then pulled out of the home when the fast-growing fire broke through the roof, which eventually collapsed.
The blaze was brought under control within 30 minutes, but caused significant damage to 7 Cactus Court. Two neighbouring homes were damaged from the heat and flames.
“Total damage to all three homes is estimated to be in the neighbourhood of $1.3 million,” Cunliffe says.
Investigators believe “improper disposal of smokers materials” caused the fire.
Paramedics brought one of the occupants of 7 Cactus Court to hospital with minor burns and possible smoke inhalation.
Firefighters also rescued two cats and reunited them with their owner.