One person has died following a fire in a townhouse on Russell Road late Thursday night, Ottawa Fire Services said. Firefighters were called to the 1600 block of Russell Road, near Industrial Avenue, at 10:48 p.m. An end-unit was ablaze when fire crews arrived and the flames were spreading to the adjacent unit, Fire Chief Paul Hutt said in a news release Friday morning. “Four occupants were able to self-evacuate. Tragically, one occupant was unable to escape and perished in the fire,” Hutt wrote. No details about the individual who died were released. Ottawa paramedics say three adults were treated at the scene for minor injuries but did not need to go to the hospital. Jacob Tope Michael, a neighbour, says he was asleep when the fire started and was woken up by a neighbour. “When I saw the flame, I was afraid because I was asleep when my neighbour actually came to bang my door that the house is on fire,” Tope Michael said. “When I opened my door, everywhere was too much flames so I was very nervous and afraid.” Ten residents have been displaced and are receiving support from the Red Cross. Hutt said the fire was under control just before midnight. An OC Transpo bus was brought over to keep residents warm as emergency crews dealt with the fire. Sam Izzadin, a neighbour, says he spoke with the roommates of the deceased, who described a harrowing experience. “I was with them until 4 a.m. We were sitting at the OC Transpo bus, and we were chit chatting and they were not happy they couldn’t save their friend.” Investigators from Ottawa Fire Services, the Ottawa Police Service, and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the origin and cause of the fire. Ottawa police are asking anyone with information to contact the arson unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 2202, or by email at arson@ottawapolice.ca. Police say the Ottawa Police Service and the Office of the Fire Marshal are working for the Coroner to assist on determining the cause of the death. “Ottawa Fire Services extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragic event,” Hutt said. “Residents are reminded that the Ottawa Distress Centre is available 24/7 at 613-238-3311 during this difficult time.” This is the third fatal fire in Ottawa so far this year. In March, three people died following a fire in a Centretown apartment, and one person died in January following a fire in Hintonburg. With files from CTV’s Natalie van Rooy
