Almost a dozen people were rescued from a fire at the YMCA’s transitional housing residence for men Monday.
Of the 11 people transported to hospital with injuries, two remain in critical condition, Hamilton police said on social media Monday.
The Hamilton Fire Department said on social media that it responded to a multiple alarm fire in the early afternoon. By 1:30 p.m. it was under control.
Hamilton police closed off James Street S. between Main and Hunter streets for an investigation.
“We ask the community to plan ahead and consider alternative routes when travelling through the downtown core to ensure safe and smooth travel,” police spokesperson Krista-Lee Ernst said.
We are active at a multiple alarm fire at the YMCA. Fire is on the 3rd floor. Under control. Multiple rescues. <a href=”https://t.co/QACWd5XArX”>pic.twitter.com/QACWd5XArX</a>
—@HamiltonFireDep
Residents stood outside James Street S. in the hot sun, waiting for an update.
The downtown residence provides 210 men with short-term affordable housing, the YWCA’s website says. It supports “men at risk,” who face health and social challenges.
Lyndon George, executive director of Hamilton’s Anti-Racism Resource Centre, said on social media that the residence plays a “key role” in supporting residents and noted few YMCA’s in Ontario still provide this transitional housing option.