A significant fire erupted in an abandoned building on De Lorimier Avenue in Montreal, leading to the temporary closure of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning, affecting traffic during peak rush hour.
Timeline of Events
The fire began late Tuesday night, around 11:30 p.m. A four-alarm fire was sparked on the first floor of the heritage building, quickly escalating and consuming the structure entirely. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene in force, with approximately 120 personnel engaged in firefighting efforts.
Bridge Closure Details
- The northbound lanes of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge were initially closed at 2:30 a.m.
- Full closure was implemented by 6:15 a.m. to ensure public safety.
- Heavy smoke from the fire posed a significant visibility hazard, although the bridge itself remained structurally intact.
Firefighting Efforts
Éric Lafrance, a spokesperson for the Montreal fire department, stated that the situation had evolved into a defensive firefighting strategy. Firefighters were applying water from the outside as the structure’s integrity had compromised, indicated by flames visible from the roof due to a suspected roof collapse.
Building History
This industrial building, constructed in 1910, has a rich history. Initially owned by soap manufacturer Joseph Barsalou, it changed ownership in 1935 to Procter and Gamble. In 1943, the structure was acquired by Familex, a pharmaceutical company, which maintained operations there for four decades.
According to Héritage Montréal, the building is notable for its design features, which influenced the curvature of the nearby Jacques-Cartier Bridge. The building had been vacant for several years prior to the fire.
As of the latest updates, there have been no reports of injuries related to the fire, and the cause remains under investigation. Fire crews continue to manage the situation to ensure both the safety of the public and the containment of the fire.
