HAMILTON - Firefighters had to cope with sub-zero temperatures early this morning as they battled a major blaze in downtown Hamilton.
The fire erupted at about 4:30 a.m. in a paint store and warehouse with several apartments on the second floor (on Ottawa Street North). The fire sent huge clouds of smoke over the city as the flames consumed paint and carpet and sent flames through the roof.
Fire officials say apartments above the two-storey Indigo Decorating store were empty at the time and there are no reported injuries.
Firefighters were able to prevent the flames from breaching a brick firewall, but adjoining businesses have water and smoke damage.
A city bus has been sent to the scene to provide a warm shelter for firefighters to rest in rotation.
