Reports of explosion noise at scene of Sanford Avenue South house fire

Hamilton police are investigating a fire at a residence on Sanford Avenue South that caused about $250,000 in damages.

Emergency services were called to the fire at 48 Sanford Ave. S. around 10 p.m. Monday.

Police received a number of calls from people who reported hearing an explosion noise, said Const. Krista-Lee Ernst. That will be part of the investigation by the police arson investigator.

The cause of the fire is not yet known. The Office of the Fire Marshal has been notified.

Assistant Deputy Chief Shawn De Jager of the Hamilton Fire Department said the fire was extinguished quickly.

Three occupants of the home, which is between Main Street East and Aikman Avenue, were assessed by Hamilton paramedics and taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Damage is estimated at $250,000, he said.

Police said a cat from the residence is unaccounted for.

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