Fire Marshal called in to investigate multiple-alarm blaze on Barton Street

A multiple-alarm fire caused significant damage" to an under-construction Barton Street East building early Monday.

Hamilton fire was called to 577 Barton St. E., a three-storey building between Milton Avenue and Stirton Street, just after 4:30 a.m. after receiving a report of smoke in the area, said fire Chief Dave Cunliffe.

The building is unoccupied and under construction.

The first crews on scene found heavy smoke coming from the back of the building and the call was upgraded to a first alarm structure fire. Once the initial crews entered the building, they found a well-involved fire on the third floor. Additional crews found fire on the second floor and then the attic and roof.

Given that rapid advancement and growth of the fire, the alarm was further upgraded to a second alarm, bringing additional resources from across the city to the scene," Cunliffe said.

The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes. This included using two aerial ladders to attack the fire on the roof, while other firefighters worked on the interior of the building.

Despite being quickly brought under control, the fire caused significant damage to the second and third floors and the roof, Cunliffe said.

There were no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire and the estimated cost of damages are not yet available.

Barton was closed between Minto and Birch avenues while crews checked for hot spots.

The road was reopened by about 10:15 a.m.

The Office of the Fire Marshal is being notified.

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

With files from Jennifer Moore, The Hamilton Spectator. jmoore@thespec.com