Updated: Man rescued after being trapped by fire in central Hamilton apartment

A man in his 50s was rescued by firefighters from his 18th floor apartment during a multiple-alarm fire at a central Hamilton highrise early Wednesday.

Emergency services were called to 140 Robinson St., an apartment building at Caroline Street South, just after 3 a.m., said Hamilton fire Chief Dave Cunliffe. The call was quickly upgraded to a structure fire after dispatch received a call from a person trapped in an 18th floor apartment that was on fire.

Dispatch stayed on the phone with the man while firefighters went into the apartment unit, where they were met with heavy smoke and fire. Given the conditions in the apartment, the fire call was again upgraded to a multiple alarm, drawing resources from across the city, Cunliffe said.

Firefighters quickly knocked down" the fire and were able to find the trapped occupant, he said.

The man, in his 50s, was assessed by paramedics on scene and taken to hospital in stable condition, said Hamilton police Const. Indy Bharaj.

His injuries appeared to be minor, Cunliffe said.

The fire was quickly extinguished and no other injuries were reported.

Several floors around the fire scene were evacuated, but tenants have since been allowed back into their units after the fire department cleared smoke.

The fire is believed to be suspicious," Bharaj said.

Hamilton police held the scene Wednesday morning. The Office of the Fire Marshal has been notified. The cause of the fire is not known.

Damage to the 18th floor apartment is extensive and is estimated to be in excess of $100,000.

Nicole O'Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com