Plumes of thick black smoke could be seen from across the city for several hours after an autobody shop along the Ottawa River in Clarence caught fire Tuesday afternoon.

The fire started around midday Tuesday, October 26, in the north-east village area of Clarence-Rockland. Clarence-Rockland Fire Department trucks could be seen transporting water from the Clarence-Rockland Arena to the scene as firefighters worked to quell the blaze. Ottawa Fire Services were also on scene to assist.

Russell County OPP blocked off a wide perimeter around the fire, stretching from Ramage Road in the west to Rollin Road in the east. Police did not allow any vehicles close to the scene, even if they were residents who lived in the area, out of concern over the chemicals potentially being released into the air.

At present, no injuries were reported and the cause of the fire had not yet been determined.