Ottawa Fire Service Investigates Early Morning Explosion

Ottawa fire investigators are currently examining the cause of a significant explosion that occurred early Saturday morning, damaging an apartment on Shillington Avenue. The incident took place just after 4 a.m., resulting in a blast that blew out a window on an upper floor. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Upon arrival at the scene located in the 1100 block of Shillington Avenue, firefighters discovered debris scattered on the ground and flames visible from one side of the building. The fire crews quickly assessed the situation and requested additional resources to aid in battling the blaze.

Firefighters promptly began a search of the structure to ensure all occupants were accounted for. To provide shelter for displaced residents, an OC Transpo bus was summoned to the scene. The teams faced a “heavy fire load,” posing challenges in their efforts to contain the flames. The fire was declared under control by 4:25 a.m., preventing it from spreading to adjacent units.

Before allowing residents to return, the fire service conducted an air quality inspection, confirming that conditions were safe.

Fire Response on Viewmount Drive

In a separate incident, the Ottawa Fire Service responded to another fire call in the 200 block of Viewmount Drive, located in the Knoxdale-Merivale ward. Multiple callers reported a fire on the balconies of the second and third floors. Fire crews arriving at the scene confirmed the presence of fire and immediately requested more firefighters and equipment.

While searching for any trapped individuals, it was confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated. This fire was brought under control by 5:45 a.m., ensuring that it did not escalate further.

The rapid response of the Ottawa Fire Service in both incidents highlights the importance of preparedness and the effectiveness of emergency protocols. As investigations continue into the explosion on Shillington Avenue, residents are left to assess the impact of these early morning fires on their community.