Richmond Firefighters Successfully Contain Two-Alarm Blaze
Firefighters demonstrated remarkable efficiency in Richmond on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as they managed to contain a dangerous two-alarm fire that threatened multiple residences. The incident, which caused significant damage to two homes, was brought under control without spreading further down the street.
Emergency Response and Initial Conditions
Ottawa Fire Services received numerous 911 calls just before 2 p.m. reporting heavy smoke and visible flames emanating from a two-storey, single-family home located in the 0-100 block of Pelham Crescent. The emergency response was swift, with firefighters arriving at the scene within three minutes of being dispatched.
Despite their rapid response, the fire had already spread to a neighboring home by the time crews arrived. The fire service noted in a social media post that the blaze "threatened multiple homes in close proximity" due to the tight residential spacing in the area.
Firefighting Strategy and Containment Efforts
Crews implemented an aggressive containment strategy, advancing multiple hose lines directly into the burning structures while deploying several aerial ladders to attack the fire from above. Their coordinated efforts proved successful in preventing the flames from extending further along the street.
The fire was officially declared under control by 3:21 p.m., approximately 81 minutes after the initial emergency calls. Following containment, firefighters conducted two thorough searches of the affected homes and confirmed that no human occupants were present inside either structure.
Resident Safety and Displacement
Neighbors informed emergency crews that a dog remained trapped inside one of the homes. Firefighters successfully located the animal and brought it to safety outside. The incident resulted in the displacement of eight residents—four adults and four children—who were forced to leave their homes.
While Victim Services were not required for this incident, Ottawa Fire Services arranged for an OC Transpo bus to provide temporary shelter if needed for the displaced residents. The fire service confirmed that no injuries were reported among either residents or emergency responders.
Investigation and Ongoing Monitoring
An Ottawa Fire Services investigator was dispatched to the scene to determine the fire's origin and cause. Meanwhile, fire crews remained on location to extinguish any remaining hot spots and prevent potential flare-ups. The investigation will provide crucial information about what triggered this destructive blaze in the Richmond neighborhood.
The successful containment of this fire highlights the effectiveness of Ottawa's emergency response systems and the skill of local firefighters in managing dangerous residential fires, particularly in densely populated areas where rapid spread poses significant risks to multiple properties.
