Operations & Training

Zamboni Fire Rips Through Sports Complex in Canada

Oct. 1, 2024

The fire caused $1 million damage to the facility, Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said.

A Zamboni is blamed for sparking a massive fire at the Wentworth Sports Complex in Hamilton Monday.

The person reporting the fire said the Zamboni was on fire and it was spreading, CHCH reported.

Firefighters observed heavy black smoke as the approached the area.

Upon a closer inspection, they noted that more smoke had filled the building and a “well involved structure fire” was taking place on the west side of the complex.

“Given the presence of ammonia for ice making and propane for the Zamboni(s) the alarm was upgraded to a full Hazardous Materials Response,” Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said.

While the worst part of the fire was under control within 20 minutes, its consumption caused part of the building’s roof to collapse

Damages were estimated at $1 million..

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.