The major fire that occurred Thursday afternoon at the Bon-Pasteur monastery in Montreal is still ongoing. More than 150 firefighters are trying to bring the blaze under control, which is causing poor air quality in the surrounding area.
The smoke is spreading to the south of the island of Montreal, according to firefighters. “We suggest that people in the area with breathing difficulties avoid the area,” explains Émilie Barbeau-Charlebois, section chief for the Montreal Fire Department (SIM).
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality bulletin due to this major fire in downtown Montreal. “The smoke causes poor air quality and reduced visibility for areas surrounding the fire. Pollution levels are above normal and are expected to persist until this morning. An unusual cough, sore throat, headache and shortness of breath are among the symptoms to watch out for citizens exposed to smoke. Children, seniors and people with cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, such as asthma, are at greater risk.
The fire broke out around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, spreading an unusual smell and a huge plume of smoke in the area. The origin of the braiser is located on the roof of the historic Chapelle du Bon-Pasteur, a concert hall located in the heart of the heritage complex.
“We don’t know for the moment the cause of this fire,” said Émilie Barbeau-Charlebois. The damage is significant and the architecture of the building complicates the task of the teams on site.
“It’s the architecture of the building that makes it take longer to put out the fire,” says Mme Barbeau-Charlebois. It signals the collapse of part of the roof and the partial collapse of the bell tower.
The event caused no serious injuries. A firefighter bothered by the smoke was however taken care of last night. Nearly 40 people were evacuated on Thursday. Among them, an 80-year-old man suffering from hypothermia.
However, there is no fear for his life.
“It’s a big fire and it’s not over. It is still very apparent and our teams have been working tirelessly since [jeudi] afternoon”, sums up Émilie Barbeau-Charlebois of the SIM.