A fast-moving fire tore through the top floor of the Echo Flats apartment complex on Gordon Smith Boulevard in Hamilton on Sunday morning, charring the roof and forcing residents out of their homes. City officials said no injuries were reported as fire crews rushed in to knock down the flames. Neighbors captured video of thick smoke pouring from the building and siding melted where the fire chewed through the roof.
Flames Locked In On Top Floor
According to WLWT, Hamilton Fire Department crews were first called to Echo Flats just before 9:30 a.m., with the blaze concentrated on the top floor. The station reports that flames pushed through the building's roof before firefighters were able to get the upper hand and extinguish the blaze. Investigators were brought in to determine what sparked the fire, and residents displaced by the damage are receiving help from the Red Cross, WLWT said.
Where The Fire Hit
Echo Flats lists its address as 948 Gordon Smith Blvd on its Echo Flats website and describes the property as a multi-story rental community. The official site includes a photo gallery of the development along with contact information for current and prospective tenants.
Aid On Scene, Cause Under Scrutiny
Butler County officials and the Hamilton Fire Department said investigators were working to pinpoint what caused the blaze, according to WLWT. The Hamilton Fire Department public page notes the agency responded to more than 14,000 incidents in 2025, including dozens of building fires, and that its Fire Prevention Bureau oversees fire investigations and inspections. The Red Cross and local partners were on site helping displaced residents while city crews assessed the extent of the damage and whether units remain habitable.
Officials said more details will be released as the investigation moves forward. Residents affected by the fire are urged to watch for updates from the city, the property manager and the Red Cross for information on shelter options and recovery resources.
