A carelessly discarded cigarette is to blame for a row home fire in Centretown that put 20 people out of their homes and left behind $450,000 in damages according to Ottawa Fire.
Witnesses driving on the 417 saw flames coming from the building at 69 Raymond Street and called 911 around 5 a.m.
All residents had already left the building when crews arrived at the scene of the two-alarm blaze.
Three of the six units were damaged and power has been cut off to the building, one Ottawa firefighter said on Twitter.
Ottawa Police are assisting with the investigation. Booth Street is currently closed between Orangeville and Gladstone. Raymond is closed from Rochester to Bell Street.
No one has been reported hurt.
The fire has burnt through the riof of 69 Raymond St. Crews are opening up at 67. & 71 to stop fire extension. pic.twitter.com/9wUVl24noE
— Scott Stilborn (@OFSFirePhoto) December 31, 2016