(Hamilton, Canada) – A fire affecting two Ottawa Street North buildings caused an estimated $350,000 to $400,000 in fire and smoke damage Thursday, October 29, Hamilton fire officials told CHCH.

Firefighters were dispatched at about 1:16 p.m. to the area of 226 Ottawa Street North, between Britannia and Edinburgh avenues. Crews reported a large smoke plume while approaching.

The response became a multiple-alarm fire. Firefighters entering neighbouring 224 Ottawa Street North found fire at the rear of the second floor extending into the roof area, according to the report.

Crews brought the blaze under control. They found heavy smoke, but no fire, in the ground-floor restaurant spaces at both addresses.

Officials said everyone inside the buildings had evacuated before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported.

Hamilton Fire identified improper use or disposal of smoking materials as the suspected cause. The damage figure is an estimate, and the reported cause remains an assessment attributed to fire officials.

Source: CHCH, October 29; updated 6:56 p.m.

Editorial illustration of firefighting equipment and neighbouring commercial buildings; not a photograph of the fire or the properties.