Early morning Vanier balcony fire leaves one with burns

A fire broke out in a high-rise building in the Vanier neighbourhood this morning causing minor injuries to some people.

According to officials, crews were called at 1:22 a.m. to the 100 block of McArthur Avenue. Multiple people calling dispatch told Ottawa fire that flames were coming from the south side of the building and a “strong smell” of smoke on the sixth floor.

Firefighters on scene confirmed that a fire was coming from that floor and quickly made their way up, where they were met with heavy smoke in the hallway.

The unit that contained the fire had a hose line advanced inside extinguishing the flames and allowing a separate crew to search the unit. No one was found inside.

Flames were coming from the balcony but crews were able to douse them before the blaze spread. The fire was under control by 1:43 a.m.

Outside crews began assessing and treating people for smoke inhalation and burns to one person’s hands.

At this time the rest of the team was using fans to ventilate the building and the air quality was monitored before people were allowed back inside.

An Ottawa fire investigator is at the scene collecting evidence.