At 2:39 AM on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Hamilton Fire Division was dispatched to the 1400 block of Hamilton Ave for a house fire with victims trapped.
First arriving units found a 3-story duplex with fire on all three floors and a two-family home next door, which also had fire on all three floors. The Truck and Rescue companies immediately began searches in both houses for any trapped occupants while engine companies stretched handlines to attack the fire. All searches turned up negative, as all occupants were able to get out safely. Crews were able to contain the fire to the two original houses, and it was brought under control in roughly 45 minutes.
Two residents were transported to local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries. One firefighter received minor injuries from a fall while fighting the fire. The fire displaced approximately eight residents as both homes were left uninhabitable. The Red Cross was on the scene assisting those residents.
After an investigation by the Hamilton Fire Marshals Office and the Hamilton Police Division, it was determined that the fire originated from an e-bike battery being charged inside a bedroom.
We remind residents to follow safe charging practices. Learn more: https://nfpa.org/ebikes