1 dead, 20 displaced after Vanier apartment fire

One man is dead and at least 20 people are out of their homes after fire broke out at a lowrise apartment building in Vanier on Canada Day.

Firefighters were called to the four-storey building at 359 McArthur Ave. around 9:45 p.m. Wednesday after receiving multiple 911 calls, Ottawa Fire Services wrote in a release.

Firefighters battled flames in one unit and on the building's roof.

One person was given CPR and taken to hospital after being found in the building's hallway in cardiac arrest. He was later pronounced dead, Ottawa police said. Police did not provide the man's age.

The Office of the Fire Marshal is now investigating. Ottawa police said their arson unit is assisting in the investigation.

Two other residents were treated at the scene for minor injuries. A firefighter was also treated for a heat-related injury.

The fire was put out just before midnight, but firefighters said the building suffered heavy smoke damage and water had to be shut off, making the building uninhabitable.

The Red Cross is assisting 15 people who are out of their homes and don't have an alternative place to stay.

Communications manager MairiAnna Bachynsky said the personal disaster assistance team helped them check into local hotels for three nights.

The Red Cross is also providing them with some food and money for transportation and other basic necessities.