Montreal Fire Forces Jacques-Cartier Bridge Closure
A significant fire in an abandoned industrial structure on De Lorimier Avenue in Montreal has forced the closure of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. This incident occurred just before the morning rush hour on Wednesday. The first signs of trouble appeared at approximately 2:30 a.m. when the northbound lanes to Montreal were closed. By 6:15 a.m., the bridge was fully closed due to heavy smoke.
Details of the Fire Incident
The blaze began around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, igniting on the first floor of the historically significant building. Éric Lafrance, a spokesperson for the Montreal fire department, reported that the four-alarm fire quickly consumed the structure. By 6 a.m., flames were visible from the roof, suggesting the interior roof had collapsed.
Firefighting Efforts
More than 120 firefighters have been deployed to combat the fire. Authorities are currently focused on applying water from outside the building, as noted by Lafrance: “We’re in defense mode.” The fire poses a risk of structural collapse, further complicating firefighting efforts.
Historical Context of the Building
The building, constructed in 1910, has remained vacant for several years. Originally, it housed soap manufacturing operations by Joseph Barsalou. It changed ownership in 1935 when Procter & Gamble acquired it, and later in 1943, it was purchased by Familex, a pharmaceutical company, which maintained operations for four decades.
Impact on Traffic and Safety
- No injuries have been reported.
- The cause of the fire remains unknown.
- The Jacques-Cartier Bridge has not sustained any damage, but the thick smoke has necessitated its closure.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by older industrial buildings in urban areas, particularly regarding fire safety. Fire officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
