(Ottawa Sun file photo)

A Vanier apartment building was destroyed by fire early Saturday morning.

Fire crews responded to the blaze at 144 Barrette St. shortly after midnight. The fire had started on the ground floor of the three-storey building before spreading up the back wall to the building’s attic.

Firefighters battled the blaze from the outside but it is expected to be a complete lose with damaged estimated at $1 million.

Two adult residents of the building suffered smoke inhalation and were brought to hospital.

The Red Cross and Salvation Army were on scene to help the 10 people who were forced out of their homes by the fire.

Two nearby buildings were also evacuated as a precaution.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

More to come.

chris.hofley@sunmedia.ca