A three-alarm fire in Bells Corners has resulted in the complete destruction of an under-construction apartment building, creating a dramatic scene that unfolded early Tuesday morning.
At 4:38 a.m. on April 1, 2025, Ottawa Fire Services received a call from a monitoring company reporting active alarms in the 0-100 block of Northside Road. This prompted immediate action, as firefighters were alerted to the presence of smoke and flames near the site by Ottawa paramedics who were in the area.
Fire crews arrived on the scene within four minutes, only to find a five-storey, unoccupied building engulfed in flames. The structure, which was designed to house 53 units, was fully ablaze, and strong winds were exacerbating the situation by sending “shooting embers” into the air, raising concerns about the fire spreading to nearby buildings.
In response to the escalating fire, a second alarm was called just ten minutes later to dispatch additional resources to the scene. Nick DeFazio, a media relations officer for Ottawa Fire Services, explained the situation, stating, “Firefighters had multiple hose lines on every side of the structure and the exposure structures. Several aerial ladders were on scene to attack the fire from above.”
As the fire raged, flames began to spread to the roof of a small single-storey commercial building located behind the apartment complex. The risk of the entire under-construction structure collapsing led to a third alarm being sounded at 4:57 a.m.
Firefighters worked diligently to protect nearby properties, including the Davidson Hearing Aid Centre and a church located in the vicinity. Residents in the area reported that embers were flying onto their roofs, prompting firefighters to reassure them that they would be informed if evacuation became necessary.
Tragically, at approximately 5:45 a.m., the building collapsed, and shortly thereafter, the small one-storey building behind it became fully engulfed in flames. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with thick smoke billowing into the sky.
Despite the destruction, firefighters managed to prevent significant damage to the nearby church, although the high heat caused its windows to fail. The Davidson Hearing Aid Centre also emerged unscathed from the incident, thanks to the efforts of the firefighting teams.
Following the collapse, an excavator was brought to the scene to sift through the debris, while crews conducted door-to-door checks in the neighborhood to monitor for carbon monoxide levels in homes. An Ottawa fire investigator has also been dispatched to assess the situation and determine the cause of the fire.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by construction sites, especially when combined with adverse weather conditions. As the community reflects on the event, it underscores the importance of fire safety measures and the need for vigilance in preventing such occurrences in the future.
As the investigation continues, local residents are left to contemplate the impact of the fire on their community and the lessons that can be learned from this unfortunate event.
