A Sunday evening fire in an Ottawa apartment building has resulted in a tragic loss of life and left nearly twenty residents without a home. The blaze occurred in the Hintonburg neighbourhood, claiming one life and forcing multiple individuals to flee.
Firefighters Respond to Armstrong Street Blaze
Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) received a call about a bedroom fire in a three-storey building on Armstrong Street at approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 19. Crews arrived quickly to find flames in one unit. Firefighters successfully contained the fire to the apartment where it originated, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building.
Rescue Attempt and Fatal Outcome
After extinguishing the flames, firefighters discovered an unconscious person in the apartment's bathroom. They immediately initiated extensive life-saving measures. This included performing CPR, administering oxygen therapy, and using a defibrillator. When paramedics arrived on scene, they took over patient care. Firefighters assisted in loading the individual into an ambulance, with one firefighter even accompanying paramedics to the hospital to help continue resuscitation efforts.
Despite these urgent and prolonged attempts, the person later succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The identity of the deceased has not been publicly released by authorities.
Community Impact and Investigation
The fire displaced 19 residents from the building. Officials confirmed that all other occupants were able to escape safely. Ottawa Fire Services has expressed its condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this devastating incident.
The cause of the Hintonburg apartment fire is now under a joint investigation by Ottawa Fire Services and the Ontario Fire Marshal's office. Determining the origin and circumstances of the blaze will be a key focus in the coming days.
This tragic event underscores the sudden and severe danger posed by residential fires, even when contained to a single unit. The community is left mourning the loss while supporting those who have been displaced from their homes.
