4 in hospital after crews extinguish east-end house fire

The London Fire Department is investigating a house fire in the city's east end that left residents with burns and smoke inhalation Wednesday. 

Crews were called to 603 Hamilton Rd. at the intersection of Hamilton Road and Egerton Street at 9:30 a.m. Four people were able to escape before crews arrived, Platoon Chief Brent Shea said. 

"We have two people transported to hospital with injuries, one with significant burns, two people also transported as a precaution with smoke inhalation injuries," said Shea. 

Shea said about 30 firefighters initially arrived to the fire but were able to put it out quickly. Neighbours said they saw smoke and flames coming out the windows, with some reaching the height of the telephone wires.

Several people living in the area told CBC News that the building has three rental units.

"Today I actually came down to visit the fellow who lives there, so it's quite a shock to see that it had caught fire," said James Curnew, who lives nearby and is friends with a tenant on the main floor.

"I can only speak for my friend but he didn't have any paints or flammable materials. He lived normal like anybody else," Curnew said. "But it's an older building with two or three units, [the cause] could be numerous things."

Three cats were also taken out of the home, said Shea. They appear to be unharmed. Neighbours are assisting with their care. 

The intersection was closed for over two hours in the morning while crews contained and investigated the fire, but has since reopened. 

Damage is estimated at $600,000, the fire department said. 

Shea is reminding Londoners to have a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in their homes