An early morning fire damaged several businesses at a Kanata shopping center.

A 9-1-1 caller reported thick smoke billowing from the roof of the shopping center on Hazeldean Road near Castlefrank Road around 3:30 a.m.

Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed black smoke and flames coming from the roof of a large, single-story commercial building, Ottawa Fire Services spokesman Nick DeFazio said.

A Level 2 alert was issued to bring additional resources to the scene.

The fire spread through the roof and walls of four units, but firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread to all 15 units in the complex.

No one was in the building at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.