2 dead following high-rise fire in Centretown

The Ontario Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of a blaze at a high-rise building in Centretown that led to two deaths.

Ottawa Fire Services received a call from a monitoring agency reporting active fire alarms at a building in the 300 block of Somerset St. W. shortly after 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Multiple 911 calls were also placed, reporting a fire on the 19th floor of an apartment building. Fire Services says one caller contacted 911 from the balcony of the unit on fire, saying they were trapped due to intense heat, heavy smoke and flames.

Upon arrival, firefighters quickly determined the fire was serious and worked fast to rescue the trapped occupants

Crews made their way to the 19th floor where they were met with heavy smoke and flames from floor to ceiling.

Responders advanced a hose line and began to search for trapped occupants. Three unconscious residents were found inside the unit. A fourth resident was located on the balcony. That occupant was conscious.

A fifth resident was assisted out of a neighbouring unit.

All of the rescued occupants received treatment from paramedics. Two residents received CPR but were later pronounced deceased.

Inside the unit, firefighters were able to contain the spread and the fire was declared under control shortly after 10 p.m.

An Ottawa Fire Investigator attended the scene and the Ontario Fire Marshall will also be attending as the fire remains under investigation.

A fire watch remains in place and a fire truck is on scene to monitor for any potential flare-ups.