Several pets die, one person hospitalized after Rosslyn Ave. N. house fire

One person was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation and several pets died in a Sunday morning Crown Point West house fire that damaged two homes.

Fire officials believe the blaze was caused by careless disposal of smokers' materials."

In a Sunday morning release, Hamilton fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said fire crews responded to a call about a house fire at 98 Rosslyn Ave. N. just before 7 a.m. On scene, crews found heavy fire and smoke" coming from the back of a three-storey home travelling into the second floor of a two-storey home next door.

Because of the fire's severity, firefighters called for more resources.

One person inside 98 Rosslyn was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation and a number" of pets died in the fire.

There were no other injuries, Cunliffe said.

On scene Sunday morning, a woman could be seen trying to enter the two-storey home when the fire was still burning. Fire officials stopped her from going in.

The fire stretched from the rear porch of 98 Rosslyn into all three floors and roof area. It also spread into the second floor and roof area of the house next door, 96 Rosslyn Ave. N.

Crews put the second fire out quickly, but the blaze at 98 Rosslyn had was well involved" and it took crews some time" to extinguish, he said.

Estimated damage to the homes is between $400,000 and $550,000 for 98 Rosslyn and $150,000 for 96 Rosslyn.

The Office of the Fire Marshal has been notified due to the resident suffering smoke inhalation.

The Red Cross is helping occupants from both homes find alternative places to stay.

Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com