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A hazardous materials team was investigating after a batch of unknown chemicals was found in a backyard shed at a residential address in the Alta Vista area Tuesday morning.

Residents were cleaning out the shed at 2228 Prospect Ave. when they came upon the suspicious substances and called in emergency crews around 11 a.m., according to Ottawa fire officials.

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Police and paramedics were also called to the scene. Police and firefighters worked together to build a protective bunker in the backyard.

About six hours later, Ottawa fire officials issued an update that the substance was an “explosive cleaning product which was safely detonated within the bunker.”

Crews had evacuated residents at five homes in the immediate vicinity as a precaution, and brought in an OC Transpo bus for shelter. No injuries were reported.

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