Arson unit appeals for public’s help in highrise fire investigation

Ottawa police are appealing for the public’s help as they investigate a suspicious fire that forced the evacuation of a highrise last week.

Published May 06, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 2 minute read

Police were at the scene on Thursday following a fire early that day at 1244 Donald St. Photo by JULIE OLIVER /POSTMEDIA

The Ottawa Police Service’s arson unit is appealing for the public’s help as it investigates a suspicious fire that forced the evacuation of a Donald Street highrise and sent three people to hospital in critical condition.

The arson unit made a public appeal Monday for anyone with doorbell, dash cam or video surveillance footage of the Donald Street and St. Laurent Boulevard area on the morning of May 2.

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The unit is interested in video that captures events in that area between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.

Anyone with information, and who has not already spoken to police, is asked to contact the arson unit at 613-236-1222, extension 2202. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Two children and an adult woman suffered severe smoke inhalation and other injuries in the Thursday morning fire at 1244 Donald St., one of two buildings that together are known as Capital Towers.

The fire forced the evacuation of more than 200 residents living on the first four floors. Six people were treated on scene and five others transported to hospital with minor injuries.

The 56 people who live in 16 units on the third floor — the place where the fire started — will be out of their homes for some time while the units are restored after suffering fire and water damage.

Beacon Hill-Cyrville Coun. Tim Tierney said Monday that the police have released the site back to the landlord, Q Residential.

Tierney is hosting an event this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., in Ogilvie North Park to collect donations and provide assistance to those who have been displaced from the building.

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“We want to show we really do care about this community,” he said.

Lorne Stephenson, the manager of corporate affairs for Q Residential, said the company has also been working closely with the Red Cross and other agencies to help find housing for those forced from their apartments by the fire.

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