False alarm shuts down part of High Street in Hamilton

Hamilton police and fire crews respond to the First Financial Bank building at North Third and High streets for a reported fire after seeing smoke. Fire crews determined it was steam from the HVAC system flowing in cold weather. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

Hamilton police and fire crews respond to the First Financial Bank building at North Third and High streets for a reported fire after seeing smoke. Fire crews determined it was steam from the HVAC system flowing in cold weather. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF
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By
Jan 9, 2025
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High Street in front of the First Financial Bank building was shut down for about an hour late Wednesday afternoon for a report of a fire.

However, it turned out to be a false alarm, according to Scott Scrimizzi, Hamilton’s Public Safety director.

“Somebody thought they saw smoke and flames on the roof,” he said. “We got onto the roof and found no issues. Just steam from the HVAC in cold weather.”

The scene was cleared around 6 p.m. Wednesday.

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Michael D. Pitman had been a reporter in southwest Ohio since 1999. He covered local governments in Warren and Butler counties, as well as state and national issues. He last covered the city of Hamilton before his retirement on Dec. 31, 2025.