A house has been destroyed by a two-alarm fire in rural west Ottawa this morning, leaving a family of four homeless just nine days before Christmas.

The homeowners called 911 at around 3:45 a.m. Friday to say there was smoke coming from their furnace at 357 Hedley Way, just off Dunrobin Road.

The two parents and their two young children were told to wait outside. When firefighters arrived, they found thick smoke and heavy flames in the basement.

One firefighter suffered a shoulder injury and was treated on scene, Ottawa Fire Services said in a media release. No other injuries were reported.

Hours later at about 8:30 a.m., the fire department said crews were still battling flames and the structure of the home was no longer safe, forcing crews outside.

Crews remain on scene at Fire -357 Hedley Way in Dunrobin. Firefighters are now involved in a defensive fire attack. Structure is not safe —@OttFire

"We're strictly keeping the flames from igniting other things around and keeping firefighters safe," said Ottawa Fire Services spokeswoman Danielle Cardinal.

Some windows on the front of the home were cracked, and most were encrusted by hanging icicles formed by the freezing water. Too emotional to speak to the CBC, the family watched from across the street as an excavator pulled down what was left of the house.

Ottawa Fire Services urge families to review their fire escape plan

Cardinal said she wanted to offer her condolences to the family members who lost their home.

"I'm very happy that they're safe," she said.

Cardinal encouraged all Ottawa families to review their fire escape plan, especially given this week's frigid temperatures.

"It's really important," she said. "We know it's not always front of mind, but it's critical that you know where to go in a time of an emergency."

"If your meeting place is outdoors, [it's] probably best to make links with a neighbour, to ensure that in a time of an emergency, you can shelter somewhere warm," Cardinal added.