Ottawa Fire Services say eight adults and three children have been displaced after a fire in the ByWard Market that sent thick smoke billowing above the popular tourist destination Tuesday evening.
Firefighters were called to Guigues Avenue between Dalhousie Street and Parent Avenue at around 6:35 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke coming from the roof ot a two storey residential home.
Flames were found at the back of the house on the second floor and in the attic.
Firefighters searched the home twice for occupants and found no one inside, but one of the residents said two cats were still in the house.
Firefighters found both missing cats and reunited them with their owner.
Ottawa paramedics say there are no reports of injuries.
The fire was declared under control at 7:21 p.m.
Ottawa police closed Dalhousie Street southbound at Guigues Avenue and asked people to avoid the area as firefighters worked to extinguish the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.