A deadly townhouse fire in Ottawa has left one person dead and several residents displaced after flames tore through a residential complex late Thursday night.
Ottawa Fire Services responded to the 1600 block of Russell Road shortly before 11 p.m., where an end-unit townhouse was already fully engulfed. Fire Chief Paul Hutt said the fire quickly extended to an adjacent unit as crews arrived and began rescue and suppression efforts.
Four residents were able to escape on their own, while one person was unable to get out and died in the blaze. Authorities have not released the identity of the victim.
Paramedics treated three adults at the scene for minor injuries, but none required hospital transport. Some displaced occupants were later provided temporary shelter on an OC Transpo bus while emergency crews worked at the scene into the early morning hours.
In total, about 10 residents have been displaced and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.
Multiple agencies, including Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Police, and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, are investigating the cause of the fire, with the coroner also involved in determining the circumstances of the death.