Ottawa Fire Services says two children and a woman were taken to hospital in critical condition after a fire broke out in a residential highrise building on Donald Street and St. Laurent Boulevard Thursday morning.
It started on the third floor at 1244 Donald St. at around 6 a.m.
Crews were on scene four minutes into the initial call. When they arrived on scene, they found heavy smoke in the building. The fire became under control at 6:54 a.m.
Ottawa Fire Services spokesperson Nick DeFazio told CTV News Ottawa crews had to rescue the two children and the woman from their apartment on the third floor.
Marc-Antoine Deschamps, Ottawa Paramedic Service spokesperson told reporters in a media availability on Thursday in total, there were 14 injuries. While six patients were treated on scene, five others were taken to hospital in stable condition.
Over 200 residents have been displaced. They are sheltering nearby, according to firefighters.
Ottawa Fire Services chief Paul Hutt said the high-rise building has in total 136 units. It notes that 50 apartments were impacted by the fire, citing water and smoke damage.
Ottawa city councillor Tim Tierney, told CTV News Ottawa reporter Katie Griffin the city’s main concern is “to ensure all residents are well,” noting that it is unclear yet how many have been displaced.
“Police, fire, paramedics, as well as OC Transpo are all coordinating,” Tierney said. “Red Cross is also assisting.”
The residents who are not able to return to their units by Thursday night will be brought to Overbrook Community Centre.
The Ottawa Police Service has dispatched “numerous officers” to help the city’s fire department tackle the incident. Police say significant delays are expected in the area.
The investigation into what led to the fire is ongoing.
This is a developing story. More to come