A major fire has mobilized around forty firefighters since Tuesday afternoon in downtown Sherbrooke.
The fire, which broke out at 16 Wellington Street South, forced the evacuation of 14 homes. All the people who were there were evacuated and no one was injured, indicated the media relations of the City of Sherbrooke.
The City of Sherbrooke also indicated that the affected people were supported by the Red Cross.
The fire was contained to the four-story building. Shops are located on the ground floor, while housing is on the upper floors.
Firefighters were still battling the flames around 9 p.m. The City of Sherbrooke said the fire was being brought under control and that an excavator was on site to help demolish the building.
People who were evacuated preventively from neighboring buildings were able to return to their homes.
The fire probably started at the rear of the building, according to the City of Sherbrooke. As of Tuesday evening, the cause of the fire was still unknown.
Electricity and gas have been cut off in the area where the intervention is taking place.
King Street West in both directions between Rue du Dépôt and Rue Gordon, as well as the intersection of Rue Wellington Nord and Rue Wellington Sud are closed and will remain closed until Wednesday morning.
The City of Sherbrooke is asking motorists to avoid the area.
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