Ottawa Fire Services swiftly responded to a hazardous situation at an apartment building on St. Patrick Street on Sunday afternoon, where crews discovered dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and a visible haze throughout the structure.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
The incident began when a 911 call was placed at 12:50 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026, reporting a light haze inside a residential building located in the 600 block of St. Patrick Street. Fire crews arrived promptly to assess the situation.
Upon investigation, firefighters confirmed two critical hazards: a persistent haze within the building and elevated concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) gas present in the air. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal at high levels.
Shelter and Safety Searches Conducted
To ensure resident safety, an immediate evacuation was carried out. An OC Transpo bus was dispatched to the location to serve as a temporary warming and shelter station for those forced to leave their homes during the emergency operation.
Firefighters conducted two thorough searches of the entire building to verify that no occupants remained inside and that everyone was accounted for. The scene was declared under control by 3:17 p.m. the same day.
Investigation and Support Services
Following the containment of the immediate threat, a Fire Services investigator was sent to the scene to determine the source of the carbon monoxide. Additionally, Victim Services personnel were deployed to offer support and assistance to the affected residents.
The response highlights the critical importance of functioning carbon monoxide detectors in residential buildings, especially during the winter months when heating systems are in heavy use. The cause of the CO buildup remains under official investigation.
