Ottawa firefighters demonstrated a rapid and effective response to the first fire call of 2026, successfully extinguishing a blaze in a student residence at St. Paul University on Wednesday morning. The incident, which originated in a fourth-floor bathroom, resulted in no injuries.
Swift Response to the First Alarm of the Year
At 10:44 a.m. on January 2, 2026, the Ottawa Fire Services received an alert from a monitoring company reporting a fire at 150 Hazel Street in the Old Ottawa East neighbourhood. The address houses a student residence for St. Paul University, located near Clegg Street.
Upon arrival, crews were directed to the fourth floor. While ascending the stairwell, they encountered the occupant of Unit 409, who informed them of visible smoke and fire in the bathroom. This firsthand report allowed firefighters to proceed directly to the source of the emergency.
Containing an Electrical Fire
Firefighters quickly located the fire's origin: an electrical fire in a bathroom light fixture. The flames had already begun to spread into the surrounding apartment walls, posing a risk of further expansion.
Through prompt action, the crew contained the fire to the bathroom area. The situation was declared under control just 15 minutes after their arrival. A subsequent search confirmed no other occupants were inside the affected unit. To clear the air, ventilation fans were deployed to remove residual smoke from the area.
Aftermath and Student Support
No injuries were reported to any residents or firefighters. The swift containment prevented a more serious outcome. Building management staff acted promptly to arrange alternate accommodations for the student displaced from Unit 409, ensuring their safety and welfare following the incident.
This efficient handling of the first fire call of the new year highlights the preparedness of Ottawa Fire Services. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of functional fire alarm systems and the critical role of immediate emergency response in protecting community safety, particularly in residential and educational settings.
