Fire destroyed a nearly-completed townhouse in an east Ottawa subdivision early Saturday morning.

Flames were shooting from the windows of the middle house of a five-unit row in the Edinburgh Common development at Vanier Parkway and Landry Street.

The home was completely destroyed, and two adjoining units were partially damaged. Total damages are estimated at $500,000 to the Claridge Homes project.

About 50 fire fighters were needed to quash the blaze, which began at about 4:20 a.m.