MacLAREN’S LANDING – Firefighters had to battle flames and a poor road to battle a fire on the shore of the Ottawa River.

Due to Ottawa Fire Service technical issues, the media was not notified about the 312 Old Quarry Road fire Saturday, March 30, until this week.

Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) received a 911 call reporting a residential fire at 312 Old Quarry Road on March 30 at 11:09 a.m.

Firefighters from Fitzroy Harbour’s Station 62 responded to the blaze.

“Upon arrival fire fighters confirmed a working fire in a two-storey detached residence and immediately began suppression operations,” OFS public information officer Danielle Cardinal stated in a release. “Two occupants had evacuated safely. An accidental fire due to kitchen renovations had extended into the rest of the home and it will be a total loss. City of Ottawa Roads Operations provided salter trucks to assist fire apparatus with the icy road conditions. The fire was declared under control at 12:33 p.m.”

There were no reported injuries. An Ottawa Fire Investigator has been dispatched to the scene to determine the cause.

“We would like to thank the following agencies who collaborated with us to manage this incident,” Cardinal said. “The Ottawa Paramedic Service, Enbridge, Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa Hydro. Our work together is based on trust, cooperation and a group commitment to service excellence and safety. Call 9-1-1 as soon as it is safe to do so. Remember, you are our eyes and ears to the emergency. 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.”

The OFS says when the smoke alarm sounds, get out fast. You may only have seconds to escape safely. Call 9-1-1 from a safe place and stay on the line until advised to hang up by the dispatchers. If you can safely evacuate please close all doors behind you to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. Oxygen fuels fires so closing doors can help stop its growth. Also, closed doors offer additional protection from smoke or heat damage.