FREDERIC SERRE
The 1019 Report

Police and firefighters are applauding a courageous St. Lazare resident who probably prevented an apartment complex from going up in flames on April 29 when he carried his burning dryer out of his second-floor apartment and tossed it into the grassy yard below.

The incident occurred before 9 p.m., as the man was doing his laundry inside his apartment on Des Violettes St. when the appliance suddenly caught fire. The quick-thinking resident instinctively grabbed the burning dryer and went to his balcony to throw the machine over the railing. He then called 911. St. Lazare firefighters were on the scene within minutes, where they quickly extinguished the fire.

Karolina Bucholc, who is the man’s neighbour, praised his actions and the quick response by firefighters for preventing what could have been a very dangerous situation.

“This act of bravery was uniquely impressive,” Bucholc said. “From this guy who carried the dryer out himself to the rapid response by firefighters, all of this could have ended up a lot more disastrous.”