Hamilton firefighter injured in Cannon Street East blaze early Monday

A two-storey building on Cannon Street East on a site slated for redevelopment was significantly damaged in an early morning fire Monday.

A Hamilton firefighter suffered a hand injury and was taken to hospital for treatment during the fire. No one else was hurt.

Emergency services were called to the building at 202 Cannon St. E. on the corner of Cathcart Street around 3:40 a.m.

The first fire crews on scene found heavy smoke and a well-involved fire on the first floor of the property, with flames lapping up to the second floor and roof, said Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe.

Firefighters quickly initiated an interior search and rescue, but found no one in the building, which includes rooms or apartment units.

Last week, city council approved a demolition permit for the building. The owner plans to construct a three-storey building with 16 rental units.

The owner was aware of the approval, Coun. Jason Farr said Monday. Because I did contact him Friday that council was good enough to approve."

Farr said the utilities had been shut off in the vacant building.

The fire department noted were a number of hazards inside the building, which appeared to be under renovation, including holes in the floors.

The fire was under control with about 20 minutes, Cunliffe said.

The cause of the fire is not yet clear. Damage to the first and second floor is extensive.

The Office of the Fire Marshal will be notified, Cunliffe said.

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