In an alarming surge of emergency calls, Ottawa Fire Services has reported responding to a staggering **12 fires** in just one week, highlighting an increasingly concerning trend for the city. Over the weekend alone, five fires erupted within a mere 24 hours, prompting serious concern among residents and officials alike.

One of the most significant incidents occurred late Saturday night when a **rapidly spreading fire** engulfed a residential duplex on Bruyere Street in Lowertown. Fortunately, all residents—which included a young couple, their baby, and two cats—managed to escape, but they now face displacement from their home. Remarkably, no injuries were reported in this case, as confirmed by the Ottawa Paramedic Service.

Sunday morning brought more distress as firefighters raced to a blaze at a restaurant on Bank Street in Ottawa's south end. The fire resulted in considerable damage to the establishment, and one individual was hospitalized. Authorities reported that the man was in stable condition, underscoring the persistent danger posed by fire-related incidents in the city.

That same afternoon, firefighters responded to two separate house fires less than an hour apart. The first, which ignited on Arlington Avenue in Centretown West shortly before 3:50 p.m., severely affected the upper floors of a single-family home. Emergency responders required additional resources to tackle the flames, and victim services were dispatched to assist the displaced residents.

Just minutes later, another fire was reported from an attached two-car garage of a home in Leitrim. Fortunately, firefighters successfully safeguarded nearby structures, and once again, no injuries were reported.

The cause of these blazes remains a mystery, with investigations currently underway by fire officials. The alarming pattern of fire incidents in the region has prompted Ottawa Fire Services to issue a crucial warning ahead of the holiday season. Deputy Fire Chief Louise Hide-Shmidt emphasized the importance of fire safety, highlighting the need for residents to **check smoke alarms**, create emergency exit plans, and exercise caution while cooking, particularly during family gatherings for Thanksgiving.

In addition to the weekend's fires, the week was marred by other significant incidents, including a house fire near **Algonquin College** on Tuesday, which left two individuals injured. This fire is currently under investigation by the Ottawa Police Service's arson unit.

With the holiday season approaching, residents must remain vigilant to prevent further incidents. The rise in fires raises concerns about community safety, and experts urge everyone to take fire safety seriously. Will Ottawa's fire issues prompt a city-wide reassessment of fire prevention measures? Only time will tell.

As fire crews continue to battle the flames, it's essential for every resident to prioritize safety and stay informed. The potential dangers are real, and preparedness may be the key to preventing future tragedies.