Ottawa firefighters knock down strip mall fire on Merivale Road

There are no injuries reported after an early morning strip mall fire in Ottawa’s west end.

Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) responded to a commercial plaza in the 1400 block of Merivale Road around 4:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 11 after a 9-1-1 call reporting smoke coming from the roof.

The caller also reported being able to see flames through the windows of one of the businesses, a former pizza restaurant.

Firefighters arrived on scene four minutes after being dispatched and confirmed smoke and flames coming from the building.

Firefighters began a fast attack and moved a hose inside the structure, locating the seat of the blaze in the basement.

Two full searches were completed, and no individuals were found inside.

The fire was brought under control five minutes after crews arrived in scene and it was knocked down before it could spread to any nearby businesses.

A fire investigator has responded to determine the cause and origin.