OTTAWA – Ottawa police are investigating threats against public buildings stemming from an online post.

“The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and its public safety partners are investigating an online threat made against various public places in Ottawa including public transit and police facilities,” the OPS released in a statement yesterday (Dec. 28). “The threat was received earlier this week and an investigation was immediately commenced with a number of public safety partners. The management of the public places have been advised.”

The investigation continues but based on information received to date there is no known threat to the public. ‎ As always, every member of the public is asked to be alert and aware of their surroundings and to report specific suspicious behaviour.

Pembroke fires suspicious

PEMBROKE – Ottawa Provincial Police are now saying two recent fires in Pembroke are considered suspicious.

Investigators say the first incident took place outside an apartment building in the early hours of Nov. 19, when construction debris in a utility trailer caught fire. 

Then on the morning of Dec. 26, they say a blaze broke out in a recycling shed at the same location.

Provincial police say their investigation has found a small, light-coloured sedan and an unknown driver were in the area during both incidents. Police say while no one was injured in either fire, there is a concern for public safety.

Rockliffe plane crash

ROCKLIFFE – The Transportation Safety Board is investigating after a small plane crashed near Rockcliffe Airport Saturday afternoon.

Ottawa police confirmed they were on scene and there were no injuries reported.

There’s no details on the type of aircraft or how many people were on board.

Reno project lights up

SOUTH KEYS – A house in the midst of a renovation caught fire last night (Dec. 28) in south Ottawa.

Ottawa firefighters from Station 32, District 3 in Gloucester-Southgate Ward were first on scene just before 10 p.m.

“Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) received multiple 911 calls from motorists reporting smoke and fire visible from the roof and side of a residential home at 1770 Rosebella Ave. on Dec. 28 at 9:57 p.m.” OFS public information officer Jen McNeely released in a statement. “Firefighters confirmed a working fire and declared a second alarm for the single detached two-story home which was being renovated. Fire was showing on the second floor and roof and a next-door property was at risk.”

Fire fighters worked quickly to remove propane salamander heaters from the attached garage and extinguished the fire which had extended to the attic and roof.

“The fire was contained to the residence and the exposed property was protected from damage,” McNeely said. “An under control was declared at 10:48 p.m. and loss stopped at 11:46 p.m. The home was unoccupied and no firefighters or civilians were injured. An OFS Investigator was on location to determine cause and estimate damage.”

The OFS reminds people to call 9-1-1 as soon as it is safe to do so.

“Remember, you are our eyes and ears to the emergency,” McNeely said. “Our dispatch staff will ask questions to help best locate the incident and assess the conditions surrounding the emergency. We encourage you to remain calm, answer the Dispatcher’s questions and to stay on the line until advised to hang up.”

Be safe when OFS crews are operating in your area. Best practice is to remain off the roads and at a safe distance from the fire scene or in your home.

Vanier restaurant damaged by Friday fire

VANIER – Heavy black smoke was the result of a burning building, not burnt food, as a restaurant caught fire Friday (Dec. 27) afternoon.

“The OFS received a 911 call reporting heavy black smoke showing from the roof of a building at 275 McArthur Ave. on Dec. 27, at 2:56 p.m.,” McNeely said. “Firefighters confirmed smoke showing from the roof on the side of a two-story commercial building which was attached to another building. Fire in a restaurant indoor BBQ which had extended through the ventilation system and chimney to the roof was quickly extinguished. Quick action by the firefighters prevented fire extension to the attached building.”

Occupants had evacuated the building assisted by an off-duty Gatineau firefighter prior to District 5, Station 56 firefighters’ arrival.  There were no civilian or firefighter injuries. 

“The fire was under control at 3:25 p.m. and loss stopped at 3:36 p.m.,” McNeely said. “An OFS investigator was on scene to determine cause and damage estimates.”