1 dead, firefighters injured after flames engulf Barrhaven home
Victim was 'elderly occupant' of home on Swilken Burn, OFS says
One person died and several firefighters were injured after a fire engulfed a home in Barrhaven on Saturday, according to Ottawa Fire Services (OFS).
Multiple 911 callers reported the fire on Swilken Burn just before 5 p.m., saying they could see flames and thick black smoke pouring from the home.
When firefighters arrived, the home and garage were fully engulfed, prompting a second alarm.
About 15 minutes later, firefighters were ordered to withdraw due to the dangerous conditions, OFS said in a media release Saturday.
In an update posted to social media Sunday, OFS said one person living at the home had died in the fire.
"There were reports of an elderly occupant inside the home who was unable to evacuate. Firefighters courageously attempted to get inside the structure to make a rescue," the post said.
"Due to the extreme heat, firefighters were evacuated out of the structure. Sadly, the resident perished in the fire."
On behalf of the Ottawa Fire Services, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the family & friends of the resident who perished in the fire yesterday on Swilken Burn in the City's West end. <br><br>Our thoughts are with everyone in our community who is affected by this tragedy.
—@ChiefHuttAccording to OFS, the injuries suffered by the firefighters were minor. Victim Services was dispatched to the scene to help affected residents.
The fire was declared under control at 9:48 p.m.
An investigator has also been dispatched to determine the cause and origin of the fire, OFS said.