UPDATE: Man, 55, dies after Concession Street apartment fire
One man is dead while another was left with critical injuries after a fire engulfed a central Mountain apartment Tuesday night.
Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said crews responded to reports of an alarm condition" at 326 Concession St., just east of East 12th Street, around 9:25 p.m.
When they arrived at the four-storey apartment complex, Cunliffe said firefighters reported the smell of smoke and the call was upgraded.
Cunliffe said when crews entered the building, they found a fire in one of the apartments and immediately began an aggressive" search and rescue operation while extinguishing the fire.
Two people found in the apartment were removed from the building and given emergency care" by firefighters until paramedics arrived, he added.
Hamilton police said a 55-year-old man died in hospital, while a 58-year-old man remains in hospital in critical condition.
The apartment involved in the fire sustained significant damage," but the fire itself was put out quickly, said Cunliffe. Residents of the building were evacuated while crews were on site, but were later able to return to their apartments.
The Office of the Fire Marshal is investigating with assistance from police. The cause of the fire has not been released. According to a release, the Mountain division criminal investigations branch initially responded for the fire.
As of Wednesday morning, Const. Jerome Stewart said police wouldn't be releasing any additional details about the men and there was no information" to suggest the fire was suspicious.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Marco DelConte at 905-540-3851. To remain anonymous, call 1-800-222-8477 or submit tips online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.
Concession Street was closed between Salem Avenue and East 13th Street Tuesday evening, but has since reopened.
More to come.
Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com