Hamilton's fire chief, David Cunliffe, has reported that an early morning blaze is currently under investigation as a suspicious incident. The fire occurred at a strip mall located on Upper Ottawa Street, causing significant damage to multiple businesses. Emergency crews received the call about the fire shortly before 3 a.m. on Easter Sunday.
The fire is believed to have started in a hair and nail salon within the mall. According to Cunliffe, the flames spread rapidly to neighboring units, triggering multiple alarms in the process. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze, but the damage has been extensive. The hair salon has been completely destroyed, while three additional units have also sustained significant damage. Furthermore, the fire has compromised the structural integrity of the roof truss above the unit where it originated.
Damage estimates from this incident have exceeded $1 million, indicating the severity of the situation. "Through video surveillance, we’ve been able to establish that this is an arson, and we’re treating it as a suspicious fire," stated Detective Greg Blunsdon, a fire arson investigator with Hamilton police. This assertion emphasizes the seriousness of the incident and the need for prompt investigation.
In response to the incident, both Hamilton Police and the Ontario Fire Marshall’s office have been called in to conduct an investigation. Their involvement highlights the collaborative effort to resolve the case and bring the responsible parties to justice. The combination of the severe damage caused and the determination of authorities to classify this incident as an arson underscores the potential danger such acts pose to community safety and local businesses.
As the investigation continues, the local community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this destructive fire. The loss of the hair and nail salon, along with the damage to other businesses, poses a significant economic impact on the area. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with arson and the need for increased vigilance to protect local establishments.
