11 homes destroyed after fire engulfs townhouse complex in Stoney Creek

A row of townhouses went up in flames in Stoney Creek early Monday morning, forcing several families from their homes.

Hamilton Fire crews were called Edenrock Drive, near Fifty Road and the QEW, just after 3 a.m. for a fire that started in one of the three-storey units.

The fire then spread to other townhouses. In all, at least 11 townhouses were destroyed.

“Everything just spread so quickly, we grabbed the kids and got out,” one resident who lives at the complex said.

An early morning fire destroys a row of townhouses on Edenrock Dr in Stoney Creek. 11 units gutted by flames fuelled by high winds. Fire started in end unit and quickly spread down the line. No injuries. No word yet on cause. Most families lost everything inside. pic.twitter.com/cI5bx5YKpx

— carl hanstke (@carlCityNews) July 27, 2020

Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said all of the units were occupied but there had been no reports of any injuries, either among the residents or firefighters.

He said the end unit of a block of three townhomes was fully engulfed when fire crews arrived and that strong winds fanned the flames causing the fire to quickly spread to a second block containing eight units.

By the time the sun came up, it appeared most of the flames had been extinguished, though Cunliffe said crews would likely remain on scene most of the day dousing any potential hotspots.

He added that the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office had been called in to help determine the cause of the fire.

It’s not yet clear how many people were displaced by the fire, but Cunliffe said the Red Cross was helping those who needed shelter and other essential aid.

Damage from the fire is expected to run into the millions of dollars.

@HamiltonFireDep will hold a press conference at 06:30 at the corner of Norbrook Dr. and Edenrock Dr. pic.twitter.com/CIIbFMzfVd

— Hamilton Fire Department (@HamiltonFireDep) July 27, 2020