Fire damages 13 unit residential building in Ottawa’s east end

Investigators are searching for the cause of a fire that severely damaged a 13-unit residential building in Ottawa’s east end.

Firefighters responded to 911 calls at approximately 8:40 p.m. Thursday reporting a fire in a four-storey building on Ogilvie Road, between Palmerston Drive and Cadboro Road. One person told CTV News Ottawa they heard an explosion.

Ottawa’s 911 emergency response centre received more than 60 calls about the fire shortly after it started.

When firefighters arrived on scene, the building was fully involved in smoke and flames.

Firefighters were seen going through the building searching for occupants. Ottawa Fire photographer Scott Stilborn said at 9:19 p.m. that all firefighters had been ordered out of the building due to “collapse concerns.”

The fire was declared under control at 10:20 p.m.

No one was injured in the fire, and several pets were rescued from the building, including a dog that was returned to its owner.

The fire has been declared under control. @OttFire Firefighters are heading inside to extinguish hot spots. #OttNews pic.twitter.com/SEqFIn4dG2

— Ottawa Fire Services (@OttFire) April 29, 2022

Ottawa Fire told CTV News Ottawa on Friday that eight of the 13 units were severely damaged by fire. The other five units in the building suffered smoke and water damage.

The initial investigation shows the fire started on an exterior wall and extended into the attic of the building. Officials say the fire is not considered suspicious.

Pictures from the scene showed the fire spread through several floors of the building, with flames coming out of the roof.

“Amazing work for extremely skilled firefighters,” said Kim Ayotte, Ottawa’s general manager of emergency and protective services. “Very thankful that there are no reported serious injuries at this time.”

Beacon Hill-Cyrville Coun. Tim Tierney said the city of Ottawa and partner agencies were on the scene to assist residents displaced by the fire.

Ottawa Fire on scene of a 2-Alarm fire on Ogilvie Road between Palmerston & Cadboro. Fire is in a 12-unit 3 residential row #ottnews #OttFire #ottcity pic.twitter.com/nf35rrYiB6

— Scott Stilborn (@OFSFirePhoto) April 29, 2022

Ogilvie Road was closed between Bathgate Drive and Matheson Road. It reopened just before 8 a.m.

This is a 4 storey multiple resident building. Fully involved in smoke and flames. #OttNews pic.twitter.com/UHFzuUSfoF

— Ottawa Fire Services (@OttFire) April 29, 2022