Two arson investigations launched this week by Ottawa police
Posted May 29, 2025 01:03:52 PM.
Last Updated May 29, 2025 03:02:40 PM.
There are two investigations into fires in Ottawa that police are hoping the public can help with.
Both fires damaged properties in the nation’s capital this week, but officers say the two are unrelated.
The first happened on May 27 in the early morning hours. Firefighters were called to the 0-100 block of Appledale Drive in Barrhaven.
Crews smelled smoke in the air and found a small fire on the windowsill of a home that was not occupied and appeared to be for sale, Nick DeFazio, media relations officer with Ottawa fire told CityNews.
They quickly extinguished the blaze, without pulling a hose from the truck. In the report, firefighters said there was minimal damage to the building.
Police say they believe the fire was intentionally set, prompting the force’s arson unit to investigate. Officials are asking residents and businesses in the area to review security, doorbell or dashcam footage for anything suspicious that happened that morning.
A day later, firefighters were called to the 500 block of West Hunt Club Road for a commercial fire in a one-storey building.
Police stressed they do not believe the fire is related to the one on Appledale Drive.
The building houses numerous storefronts, but the one that looks like flames were coming from was The Safety House, a business focused on providing clothing for those working in various construction and trades industries.
Other businesses in the complex include Carhartt, Massage Addict Ottawa and Smoke FX vape shop.
Firefighters were on scene four minutes after being dispatched and confirmed flames and heavy smoke coming from the building. Using a rotary saw and a sledgehammer, crews forced entry into the structure and searched the floor for people but no one was inside.
They noted there was zero visibility conditions inside the building.
Similarly, police are asking for any footage in the time leading up to the fire.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Arson and Explosion Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 2202.
