OTTAWA, Ont. — A mother and her three children are temporarily homeless after a kitchen fire in their west end row house Tuesday morning.

Marc Messier of Ottawa Fire said crews were called to 85 Ritchie Street just before 8 a.m.  The family got out safely, but there was major damage to the home.

“We had to open up some of the walls and ceiling around where the fire started on the stove,” he told 1310News. “There is significant damage in the kitchen.  We’re estimating about $20,000 in damage, including smoke damage to the rest of the home. The family will be displaced for a while, but we did call in Victim Assistance, and they’ll take care of the family and find them temporary accommodations.”

Messier said the fire was caused by a pot left unattended on the stove.