The Ottawa Police Service’s Arson and Explosion Unit is investigating an early morning fire at a commercial building in Ottawa’s south end.
The Ottawa Fire Services says 9-1-1 received a call at approximately 2:15 a.m. Wednesday, reporting flames coming from a one-storey building on West Hunt Club Road, near Merivale Road.
A photo released by the Ottawa Fire Services shows the fire was in The Safety House.
When firefighters arrived on the scene four minutes after being dispatched, they confirmed flames coming out the front door and windows of the structure.
“Using a rotary saw and a sledgehammer, firefighters forced entry through the front door of the structure and advanced a hose line inside,” Ottawa Fire Services spokesperson Nick DeFazio said.
“Fire crews also began searching the structure for any occupants in zero visibility conditions. An aerial ladder was set up at the back of the structure.”
No occupants were found inside the structure. DeFazio said firefighters removed the ceiling in the loft to confirm the fire did not extend into the roof.
The fire was declared under control at 2:52 a.m., and DeFazio said the fire did not spread to any other businesses in the complex.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
On Thursday, police appealed for the public’s help to locate suspects in connection to the suspicious fire.
“The property sustained damage, but no injuries were reported The fire is believed to have been deliberately set,” police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Arson and Explosion Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 2202.