A historic church in Côte-Saint-Paul, Montreal, has been severely damaged by a fire. The blaze broke out late Sunday night, prompting the evacuation of nearby residents and mobilizing over 150 firefighters early Monday morning.
Details of the Fire Incident
The fire began around 1:40 AM at the Saint-Paul Church, located on Avenue de l’Église in the Sud-Ouest borough. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a scene of devastation, as the once-grand structure was reduced to scorched walls and smoking ruins. Mayor Véronique Fournier expressed her disbelief at the destruction, stating, “It’s truly incredible; the blaze has ravaged everything.”
Evacuations and Community Impact
The old church served as a community hub, housing various organizations, including a food bank. Fortunately, no individuals were present inside the building when the fire erupted. As a preventative measure, 148 people were evacuated from the area. This included 73 residents from the adjacent Côte-Saint-Paul Seniors’ Residence, which was converted from an old boarding school in 2012.
- Time of fire: 1:40 AM on Monday
- Firefighters deployed: Over 150
- Evacuated individuals: 148, including 73 from the seniors’ residence
Fire Response and Aftermath
Witnesses reported that the fire’s intensity led to significant smoke permeating the neighborhood, forcing local residents like Victor Larose to mar the smell of smoke in their homes. He noted that while he was not evacuated, he was deeply saddened by the loss of such an iconic building.
The Montreal Fire Department triggered a fifth alarm in response to the incident but reported no injuries associated with the fire by Monday morning. The Red Cross was called to assist those impacted by the evacuation during the night. A bus was made available for around twenty evacuees, as electricity remained out for some homes in the vicinity.
Church’s Historical Significance
The Saint-Paul Church, designed by Montreal architect Joseph-Arthur Godin, was built in 1910-1911, replacing two earlier churches that had burned down in 1899 and 1907. Côte-Saint-Paul, including the church, presbytery, and other historic buildings, was designated a heritage site in 1990. These structures serve as significant reminders of the suburban community’s religious and social history and its brief independence as a municipality from 1874 to 1910.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, as firefighters continued to address the smoldering debris on-site. The incident has raised concerns about the preservation of this historic site, which remains an important symbol for the local community.
