Ottawa firefighters battled a major blaze in Orléans on Wednesday evening that destroyed two homes, damaged a third, and forced four residents from their properties.
Emergency crews responded to a house fire on Castle Pines Way in the Chapel Hill neighbourhood at about 4:45 p.m. Flames had already reached the roof of one home and spread rapidly, putting nearby houses at risk and prompting firefighters to request additional resources. The fire was brought under control by about 6:42 p.m.
An elderly man received treatment for smoke inhalation, while one firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion during the response.
A preliminary investigation indicates the fire likely started while a weed-burning torch was being used. Ottawa Fire Services says the flames ignited highly flammable cedar hedges before spreading to the home’s exterior, attic, and roof, eventually reaching a neighbouring house. Officials are urging residents to avoid using weed torches in urban areas because of the significant fire risk.