Ottawa firefighters were called to the scene of a commercial and residential fire on Manotick Main Street Sunday morning, with two occupants displaced as a result of the blaze.
According to Ottawa Fire Services, crews responded to the property, which housed both commercial and residential units, and worked to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported, a fortunate outcome given the dual-use nature of the building.
What We Know
Details remain limited at this stage, but Ottawa Fire Services confirmed that two people were displaced following the incident. The cause of the fire has not yet been publicly released, and it is unclear whether the fire originated in the commercial or residential portion of the structure.
Authorities have not indicated whether the building sustained significant structural damage, though displacement of residents suggests the property was rendered temporarily or permanently uninhabitable.
Manotick: A Close-Knit Village Community
Manotick, a historic village community in Ottawa's south end, is known for its tight-knit neighbourhoods and charming Main Street strip of local businesses and heritage buildings. Fires in mixed-use buildings like this one can be particularly disruptive, affecting both business owners and residents who call the same address home.
For those displaced, the City of Ottawa and the Canadian Red Cross have programs in place to assist individuals and families who lose access to their homes due to emergencies. Anyone in need of support following a fire can contact the Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111 or reach out to 211 Ontario for local resource referrals.
Fire Safety Reminders for Ottawa Residents
This incident is a timely reminder for Ottawa homeowners and renters, especially those in older mixed-use properties, to review their fire safety plans:
- Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year
- Know your exit routes and practice them with everyone in the household
- Never leave cooking unattended: kitchen fires are the leading cause of residential fires in Canada
- Check heating equipment regularly, particularly as the spring shoulder season sees fluctuating temperatures
Ottawa Fire Services offers free home fire safety visits for residents who want a professional assessment of their property.
What's Next
Fire investigators will work to determine the cause and origin of the blaze. Updates from Ottawa Fire Services are expected as the investigation progresses.
The two displaced residents are encouraged to reach out to local support services if they need temporary housing or emergency assistance.
Source: Ottawa Citizen. This article is based on initial reports and will be updated as more information becomes available.
