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Major blaze engulfs strip mall at 695 Hamilton Street; hazmat and multiple alarms respond
Summary
A fast-moving fire consumed the Super Tropical Market and neighboring 99-cent store at 695 Hamilton Street, prompting four alarm activations, a hazmat response for compressed-gas cylinders and extended multi-agency firefighting and accountability operations.
A large fire tore through a strip mall at 695 Hamilton Street, including the Super Tropical Market and an adjacent 99-cent store, prompting a multi-alarm response and a Hazmat call after responders reported compressed-gas cylinders detonating at the scene.
Dispatch initially received a report of smoke and possible explosions at the 99-cent store, after which incident command ordered a first-alarm assignment and then escalated to multiple alarms as crews encountered heavy fire and rapid extension into adjacent storefronts. Command described the supermarket as "fully engulfed" when first companies arrived and quickly shifted to defensive exterior operations.
Water-supply problems and complex access slowed early suppression efforts. Crews repeatedly reported difficulty establishing sustained 5-inch and 3-inch supply lines; command directed engines to relocate to hydrants behind local firehouses and requested mutual-aid pumpers to maintain master-stream operations. Lieutenant DeMarco instructed crews to "switch your radio to ops three" to consolidate tactical communications and coordinate feeding ladder companies.
Firefighters reported explosions and said multiple compressed-gas cylinders were going off on the scene, prompting command to request Hazmat resources and to establish collapse zones around portions of the structure. Utility crews from PS&G were summoned and later confirmed they had cut power to the shopping center when transformers began arcing in the rear of the building.
As the fire pushed through the roof and into wall cavities, command increased aerial and master-stream deployments and eventually requested additional alarms. Commanding officers warned crews not to operate near the Charlie-Delta corner because of an elevated collapse risk; later radio traffic recorded a complete collapse of the 99-cent store portion of the complex.
Through the operation, commanders performed repeated Personnel Accountability Reports (PARs) and directed crews to rehab stations across the street. At a planned operational pause several hours into the incident, incident command ordered shut-down of master streams and aerial devices to reassess conditions, review drone feeds and reposition apparatus for safer angles.
By the time of the latest status update in the transcript, crews had been operating for more than three hours, with multiple ladder towers and handlines continuing to work hot spots. Hazmat and utility crews remained engaged, and incident command continued to manage water supply, apparatus positioning and safety for ongoing suppression and overhaul activity.
The incident log does not record civilian or firefighter injuries in the transcript provided, and no formal end-of-incident declaration appears in the radio traffic. Investigators and the fire inspector were noted at the command post to assess cut points and structural stability; further scene status and cause determinations were not specified in the available dispatch record.
