blaze at the Canadian Hotel in Hamilton.

Flames tore through furniture in a room at the Reid Street building, which is rented by the Social Services Department.

The ceiling, windows, a door, and some clothing were also damaged in the fire, which broke out at about 2.20 p.m. yesterday.

Fifteen fire-fighters, four wearing breathing equipment, used water jets to put out the blaze.

It took up to 25 minutes to bring under control. Several people were evacuated.

A fire services spokesman estimated damage came to roughly $25,000.

"Furniture needs to be replaced, and it may be necessary to replace the door,'' he said.

"Before we arrived somebody in the building had tried to put out the fire.

"Breathing apparatus was needed because of toxic fumes given off by the furniture.'' The spokesman said the cause of the first floor blaze was being investigated.

But he added: "We may be in a position to give the cause tomorrow.'' The building was a hotel, before being rented by the Social Services Department to help people down on their luck.

Earlier yesterday firemen dealt with a stove fire at property in Southcote Road, Paget.

TEAM EFFORT -- Firemen discuss the next move as they tackle yesterday's blaze at the Canadian Hotel.