A tragic apartment fire in Montreal claimed the life of newlywed Chisty Bhuiyan, marking the fifth fire-related death in Quebec in just three weeks due to the absence of functional smoke detectors. Friends mourn the loss, emphasizing the need for fire safety awareness. Fire officials are investigating the incident, believed to be accidental, while residents were educated on the importance of smoke detectors. Recent fires in the region underscore the urgent need for improved fire safety measures.
Tragic Fire Claims Another Life in Montreal
In a devastating incident that highlights the importance of fire safety, a newlywed man tragically lost his life in a Montreal apartment fire on Tuesday. This marks the fifth fatality in Quebec within just three weeks, all occurring in residences lacking functioning smoke detectors.
Kamrul Islam, a close friend of the victim, expressed his heartbreak, stating, “Anyone can die from this. A simple smoke detector could have saved my friend’s life last night.” He shared his emotions after the tragic event that took the life of Chisty Bhuiyan, whose apartment in the Saint-Henri neighborhood was engulfed in flames.
Calls for Fire Safety Awareness
On that fateful evening, Kamrul was roused by firefighters who instructed him and his roommates to evacuate immediately, yet they never heard any fire alarm. Unfortunately, Chisty was not as fortunate; he lost his life in the blaze.
Authorities are currently waiting for the results of an autopsy to confirm Chisty’s identity due to the condition of his remains. The Montreal Police Service is investigating the incident and leans toward the theory of an accidental fire, believed to have started in the kitchen of the victim’s apartment, which notably lacked a smoke detector.
In Quebec, the alarming trend continues as at least five individuals have lost their lives in fires without functioning smoke detectors in recent weeks. The youngest victim was just 18 years old, having recently moved into his first apartment.
Kamrul emphasizes, “It is essential in all apartments, all houses.” Friends of Chisty remember him fondly, noting that he had recently married in Bangladesh and was in the process of bringing his wife to Montreal. “He was a simple person, always very kind and hardworking,” recalled Jakariya Jhony, who worked with Chisty at a local restaurant.
Following the incident, residents of the affected building were provided shelter by the Red Cross. Fire prevention officers from the Montreal Fire Safety Service (SIM) took immediate action, knocking on 253 doors in the neighborhood to promote awareness about smoke detectors. Alarmingly, eight residents reported having no smoke detectors, while three others had non-functional devices.
Guy Lapointe, spokesperson for SIM, noted, “We realized that this is a time when people are much more attentive to the instructions because they feel concerned. They saw the fire trucks in their neighborhood; they know that someone has unfortunately died.” He reinforces the critical nature of having a working smoke detector: “The installation and maintenance of a functioning smoke detector is crucial to detect the beginnings of a fire before they become fatal.” He urges everyone to check their smoke detectors to ensure they are operational.
The following incidents highlight the urgent need for fire safety awareness:
- January 29, 2025: Yves Harris, 79, Carole Harris, 59, and Nathalie Harris, 55, perish in a fire in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
- February 15, 2025: Sébastien-Charley Bastin, 18, dies in a fire in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts.
- February 18, 2025: Chisty Bhuiyan, 27, falls victim to a cooking fire in his apartment.