The Ottawa police Arson and Explosion Unit is investigating a “suspicious fire” that occurred at a Laurier Avenue West restaurant in the early hours of Wednesday, April 8.
Emergency crews responded to reports of the fire in the 100 block of Laurier at about 2:45 a.m., police said in a news release.
Ottawa Fire Services also put out a release about the incident, stating that a 911 caller had phoned at 2:40 a.m., with the initial report that black smoke was visible inside the commercial lowrise building.
Crews arriving at the scene saw black smoke and heavy flames inside the restaurant, and began a fast attack, advancing a hose line inside the building.
Additional resources were sent to the location, and the blaze was declared under control at 3:20 a.m.
Firefighters conducted two searches for occupants, but no one was found inside, and police said there were no reports of any injuries.
An Ottawa Fire Services investigator was sent to the scene to find the cause and origin of the fire.
Police said their investigation is ongoing, and asked anyone with information, including surveillance or dashcam footage from the area at the time, to contact them.
Anyone with information was asked to call the Arson and Explosion Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 2202, or contact it by email at [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.
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