The explosion and resulting fire in the Glebe on Thursday night that gutted several businesses was deliberately set, according to the Ottawa police arson unit.

Investigators from Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa police and the Ontario fire marshal's office ended their scene examination inside the commercial building on Sunday.

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/glebefire?src=hash">#glebefire</a> scene examination is complete. This fire has been deemed an arson. The criminal investigation continues. ^MC —@OPSArson

Crews were called to 851-859 Bank St. at about 11 p.m. Thursday after multiple people reported hearing an explosion and seeing flames at the building.

Inside the building, the Silver Scissors hair salon, Beaver's Mug Cafe and other stores were blackened and charred. Damage is estimated at several million dollars.

A neighbouring building at 33 Regent St. and a home on Fifth Avenue were also evacuated as a precaution as firefighters dealt with the blaze for five hours.

The criminal investigation continues, police say.