Three individuals have lost their lives following a devastating fire that erupted in a Centretown highrise building. The blaze, which began on the top floor of the 19-storey structure at 395 Somerset Street West, has also left others injured. Official confirmation of the third fatality came from police on a Tuesday, nearly three days after the initial incident on Saturday night.
Investigators from the 'Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office' are currently leading the inquiry into the precise cause of the fire. Early speculation has pointed towards a potential link with 'lithium-ion batteries', possibly from an 'e-scooter', though no definitive conclusion has been reached. The fire, which broke out around 9:30 p.m., saw smoke and flames visible from a balcony door upon the arrival of emergency services.
DETAILS OF THE INCIDENT
The fire, located on the '19th floor' of the residential building, prompted a rapid response from 'Ottawa Fire Services'. Firefighters were reportedly able to bring the blaze under control within '23 minutes' of the initial call. During the response, some residents experienced the immediate aftermath of the firefighting efforts, including water flooding units. One resident on the 18th floor, directly below the unit where the fire originated, described taking preventative measures such as placing a wet towel under their apartment door to mitigate smoke intrusion.
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Of the individuals affected, at least 'three people' sustained injuries. One man was pronounced dead at the scene. A second person, initially hospitalized in critical condition, later succumbed to their injuries. The third fatality, a woman, also passed away after being admitted to the hospital in a critical state. Reports also indicate another man was taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation, while an elderly man received treatment on-site for minor burns and smoke inhalation. A fourth person was discovered on a balcony.
BUILDING AND RESIDENT IMPACT
The building, situated at '395 Somerset Street West', is identified as an 'Ottawa Community Housing (OCH)' property. The incident has brought into focus the lived experiences of residents in such buildings, with one resident describing the fatal fire as "just one more thing" in a series of ongoing concerns. Volunteers have been observed checking in on residents in the days following the blaze.
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BROADER CONTEXT
This fatal fire is not an isolated event in the city's apartment buildings. A separate incident on Catherine Street, previously reported in February 2019, also resulted in resident displacement and damage, including a partial collapse of a rear wall. The ongoing investigation into the Somerset Street fire underscores the critical nature of understanding fire causes, particularly with the increasing prevalence of devices powered by 'lithium-ion batteries'. Officials have reportedly urged caution regarding their use within residential settings.
