A woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries after an apparent explosion sparked a fire at a Carlington apartment building early Saturday morning—the first of three incidents Ottawa Fire Services responded to that day.
Fire crews were called around 4:08 a.m. to a four-storey building on the 1100 block of Shillington Avenue, near the Experimental Farm, after multiple 911 calls reported a blown-out window and visible flames.
Upon arrival, firefighters found debris from an explosion and an active fire on one side of the building. A fast attack was launched, and additional crews were brought in due to hazardous flammable materials on site. The fire was brought under control by 4:25 a.m.
Paramedics treated a woman in her 60s at the scene and transported her to hospital with minor injuries.
River Councillor Riley Brockington said the fire was contained to a single unit and is suspected to be arson. Ottawa police remain on scene, though no further details have been released.
Air quality checks confirmed the building was safe before residents were allowed back inside.