A fire at 1427 Ash, in Ottawa yesterday afternoon, March 24th, has displaced several people. The call came in just after 1:00 yesterday afternoon as a structure fire. Engine Two arrived on scene first and reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the back side of the split-level home. Fortunately, there is a fire hydrant right in front of the house and crews were able to quickly attach the hose and run two more smaller hoses from the truck to get water on the fire within a couple minutes. Firefighters battled the fire for nearly 30 minutes from the back side and also made entry through the front door and kept the fire from spreading to the front of the house. Also, because of their quick action they prevented spread into the attic area.
Three cats were rescued by firefighters with one requiring oxygen. Two of them were taken to Cottonwood Animal Hospital by their owner and are recovering from their injuries and smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
Interim Fire Chief Shawn Dillon, says the home owners were not home at the time of the fire and a neighbor had reported the fire. He says an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze; however, an ember blown from a fire pit in the backyard could be the cause. He will release a report as soon as the investigation is complete.