UPDATE: Man in critical condition, several to hospital after east Hamilton fire

Several people have gone to hospital after an early morning fire at an east Hamilton home, including one man in critical, life-threatening condition.

A firefighter was also taken to hospital as a precaution with a heat-related condition.

Emergency services were called to the two-and-a-half-storey home at 8 Lloyd St., northeast of Lottridge Street and Barton Street East, shortly after 5 a.m. for a fire on the second floor.

Hamilton firefighters were told a person was trapped and crews immediately started an aggressive" search, said Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe.

Two people were rescued from the home - one on the first floor and one on the second floor, he said. Five other people in the home escaped on their own.

Hamilton Paramedic Service Supt. Dave Thompson said they transported three injured patients from the home.

A 30-year-old man was transported in critical, life-threating condition; a 47-year-old man was transported in serious condition with smoke inhalation and burns; and a 34-year-old woman was transported in serious condition with smoke inhalation.

The fire was quickly brought under control, Cunliffe said. Damage is estimated at more than $250,000.

The Office of the Fire Marshal has been called to investigate the cause of the fire.

The Red Cross has also been called to help the displaced residents.

Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com