Police investigate arson that damaged low-rise residential building in Lowertown

Ottawa police’s arson unit is investigating a fire that damaged a residential building in Lowertown.

Firefighters were called early Wednesday to the fire in the 100 block of Nelson Street.

Initial reports described visible flames from the second floor of the “multi-unit residential low-rise” structure.

Crews arriving at the scene between Clarence and York streets at about 3:30 a.m. and then called for additional resources.

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Firefighters completed two searches of the structure and no occupants were found inside.

The fire was declared under control at 4:39 a.m.

A fire inspector was sent to the scene to determine the fire’s cause and point of origin.

Police are looking for anyone with doorbell cam or surveillance video of suspicious activity in the Nelson Street area between 2:30 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Wednesday.

Anyone with information about the fire was asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Arson Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 4587 or by email at arson@ottawapolice.ca.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.