Investigators are searching for the cause of the fire, which severely damaged a 13-block apartment building in eastern Ottawa.
Firefighters responded to calls to 911 around 8:40 p.m. Thursday, reporting a fire in a four-story building on Ogilvie Road, between Palmerston Drive and Cadboro Road. One man told CTV News Ottawa that he heard an explosion.
The 911 Ottawa Emergency Center received more than 60 calls about the fire shortly after it began.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, the building was completely in smoke and flames.
Firefighters were spotted walking through the building in search of occupants. Ottawa Fire Department photographer Scott Stillborn said at 9:19 p.m.
The fire was contained at 10.20 pm
No one was injured in the blaze, and several pets were rescued from the building, including a dog that was returned to its owner.
Ottawa Fire told CTV News Ottawa on Friday that eight of the 13 units were severely damaged by fire. The other five blocks in the building were damaged by smoke and water.
“Something I wouldn’t want to see again,” said neighbor Susan Labelle. “I haven’t slept all night and I still haven’t slept.”
The initial investigation showed that the fire started from an outside wall and reached the ceiling of the building. Authorities say the fire is not considered suspicious.
Photos from the scene show that the fire spread over several floors of the building, as the flames came out of the roof.
“Amazing work for highly skilled firefighters,” said Kim Ayot, general manager of emergency services in Ottawa. “I am very grateful that no serious injuries have been reported so far.
“Everyone, thank God, managed to get out of their homes,” Labelle said.
Beacon Hill-Sirville Earl. Tim Tierney said the city of Ottawa and partner agencies are on the scene to help residents displaced by the fire.
RAISING FUNDS FOR LIVING
The building is managed by Better Living Residential Co-Op
“All the people are safe and unknown – and we are working on accommodating them right now,” said property manager Yvonne Ashby.
“We’re working to find them places to stay for the next time while we fix our building.”
count. Tim Tierney says he will organize fundraising and fundraising in connection with the Better Living Residential Co-Op to help residents displaced by the fire.
The event will take place on Sunday from 10:30 to 12:00 on 1350 Ogilvie Road, with coffee, donuts and hot chocolate.
Residents are invited to drop by and contribute to the fundraiser.
Tierney says the elements needed include:
- Grocery cards
- Cash donations
- Gift cards for restaurants
- Checks can be made at Better Living Residential Co-Op
- Batteries, phone chargers, USB or flash
- Toiletries
With files from Peter Sperling of CTV News Ottawa
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