A devastating fire in Hamilton’s North End on Wednesday evening destroyed much of a two-storey home, killed eight family pets, and displaced a family of six.
Firefighters responded to Gertrude Street shortly before 7 p.m. and found the residence fully engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading to neighbouring homes. Crews conducted an immediate search to ensure no one was trapped inside while working to contain the blaze, which was brought under control within about 25 minutes.
Officials later confirmed that the home’s occupants—two adults and four children—were away when the fire started. No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters, but two dogs and six cats died in the incident.
Preliminary findings indicate the fire began outside at the rear of the property before moving up an exterior wall and into the home. The affected house sustained approximately $750,000 in damage, while two adjacent homes each suffered an estimated $40,000 in losses.
The displaced family is receiving temporary housing assistance from the Canadian Red Cross. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.