The Red Cross says 222 residents of an Overbrook highrise have had to be evacuated after an early morning fire.
Ottawa Fire says firefighters had to rescue “multiple” people from their balconies after a fire broke out at around 5:00 a.m. Wednesday.
The fire escalated to a three-alarm blaze before it was brought under control just after 6:00 a.m.
Ottawa Paramedics say eight people had to be taken to hospital for smoke inhalation, out of 25 who were assessed at the scene.
Ottawa Firefighters also discovered a woman in a diabetic coma, who was stabilized and brought to hospital in serious condition.
During the building search by @OttFire, firefighters located a F50s in a diabetic coma unrelated to the fire. Paramedics stabilized her on scene and she was taken to the hospital in serious condition. Without her timely discovery, she likely wouldn’t have survived. #Ottnews
— Ottawa Paramedic Svc (@OttawaParamedic) December 12, 2018
By-law has been called in to take care of pets, while OC Transpo buses were requested to shelter evacuated residents from the cold.
Fire officials say the evacuation is a result of there being no hydro in the building.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
Ottawa Fire on scene of a 3-Alarm fire at 251 Donald Street. Crews have confined the fire to the 2nd floor of a residential high-rise. Some occupants had to be rescued by ladder from balconies. @OttawaParamedic on scene for patient care. #ottnews #ottcity #ottfire pic.twitter.com/5RizPPQMv5
— Scott Stilborn (@OFSFirePhoto) December 12, 2018
Ottawa Police closed Donald St. for several hours Wednesday morning. It has since reopened.
Evacuated residents have been asked to register with the Red Cross at 300 Pères Blancs Ave. in Vanier.
DONALD 3RD ALARM: (2/2) occupants have to evacuate & register at the reception centre 300 Des Pères Blancs with our partners @OttawaRedCross & @Salvation_Army TY @OttawaBylaw for your assistance with pets. TY @OC_Transpo for transport. Team effort with many agencies #ottnews pic.twitter.com/haMBslwrBc
— Ottawa Fire Services (@OttFire) December 12, 2018