A Hamilton man is in critical condition with burns to 40 per cent of his body after a house fire Thursday in the east end.

Fire crews responded to a fire at 1371 Cannon St. E. at 7:40 p.m. on Nov. 14, arriving to find heavy smoke pouring out of a one-storey home. A man at the home had reportedly been trying to re-enter the home while it was on fire, said district chief Gerry Melia, noting he did not know why he kept returning but was outside when fire crews arrived.

On scene Friday, Michael Bird, investigator with the Office of the Fire Marshal, said the man may have been searching for his dog.

Investigators found a dog bowl inside. They did not find dog remains.

The man, who lived in the home alone, was taken to hospital where he remains in critical condition with burns to 40 per cent of his body, suffering from severe smoke inhalation.

Bird said he believes an electrical issue started the fire.

The home is badly damaged and will have to be torn down, he said.

An investigation remains ongoing.

Correction - Nov. 16, 2019: This article was updated from a previous version that mistakenly said the address of the house fire was at 1317 Cannon St. E.

katrinaclarke@thespec.com

905-526-4629 | @katrinaaclarke