New Year's Day fire leaves Hamilton house with $600K damage

Hamilton's first day of 2014 was marred by two fires that resulted in about $750,000 worth of damage to two structures.

Firefighters responded to a fire at approximately 2:27 a.m. Wednesday morning at 254 Herkimer St. They initially entered the home but were forced out due to heavy fire that had spread to the second and third floor, according to officials.

The fire was later contained to one house and did not spread to neighbouring homes.

The residents of the home were not inside when the fire broke out.

The damage was described as extensive and estimated to be $600,000.

Shortly before 4 a.m., a second fire took place at a vacant two-storey residential home at 5 Beland Ave. N. Damage was estimated at $150,000.

No injuries were reported at either fire.

As of Wednesday morning, it's not clear what caused the two fires. The fire marshal's office has been contacted to assist the investigation in both incidents.