A woman was transported to hospital after an apparent explosion caused a fire at a Carlington apartment building, the first of three incidents Ottawa firefighters were called to early Saturday morning.
The Ottawa Fire Services say they received multiple 911 calls at about 4:08 a.m. reporting a window had been blown out of a four-storey building in the 1100 block of Shillington Avenue near the Experimental Farm.
Crews found debris on the ground “from an explosion” with flames visible to one side when they arrived, the fire service said in a news release.
Firefighters had to call additional resources to the scene to battle the fire. Crews initiated a “fast attack” on the flames and advanced a hose line inside.
Ottawa fire says a large amount of flammable materials caused a hazard for firefighters. Crews were able to get the flames under control at 4:25 a.m.
Ottawa paramedics say they assessed and transported a woman in her 60s to hospital with minor injuries.
In a post to X, River Coun. Riley Brockington says the fire was contained to one unit of the building.
“The cause at this time is suspected arson,” he said.
The Ottawa Police Service tells CTV News Ottawa that officers remain on scene but did not provide further details.
The air quality of the structure was monitored and confirmed to be safe before allowing residents back inside their homes.
Smoky house fire in Orléans
At about 5:10 a.m., a 911 caller reported smoke coming from the windows of a single-family home in the 3600 block of St. Joseph Boulevard between Taylor Creek Drive and Trim Road in Orléans.
Ottawa fire says crews on scene confirmed smoke was visible from the roof.
Additional resources were called to the home and a hose line was advanced inside to help battle the fire.
Firefighters searched twice for any occupants of the home but found no one trapped inside.
No injuries were reported. The fire was declared under control at 5:54 a.m.
Victim Services was called to help assist displaced residents.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Nepean balcony fires
While responding to the blaze in Orléans, firefighters were called to a pair of balconies that caught fire at an apartment building in Nepean.
The Ottawa Fire Services say they received several 911 calls shortly before 5:25 a.m. reporting a fire in the 200 block of Viewmount Drive near Merivale Road.
On scene, crews found two balconies in flames on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
A “working fire” was declared shortly before 5:30 a.m. to bring additional resources to the scene.
The fire was declared under control at 5:45 a.m.
No injuries were reported.