fire

School bus fire not due to battery

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

Several pictures of a school bus engulfed in flames were posted to social media on Tuesday, and dismissed by many as fake. But it was indeed real.

The bus was carrying five CSSDM elementary school students to school Tuesday morning. It was traveling east on Jean Talon when the bus driver smelled smoke coming from the vents. He quickly pulled over at the corner of Victoria and evacuated the children. Nobody was injured. And the children were kept safe in a nearby building, accompanied by two police officers, until a new bus could be dispatched to pick them up.

The bus was a LionC bus operated by Transco.

While the cause of the fire is as yet unknown, speculation is that it might have been components in the heating system. But Montreal Fire Department Operations Chief Martin Guilbeault assures The Suburban that, although the bus was indeed electric, the battery was not the cause of the fire. Guilbeault said that the fire department was on the scene in under five minutes, and were able to douse the flames before they got anywhere near the battery.

Had that been the case, it would have run the risk of a thermal runaway, which is what happens when fire erupts in a battery spreading from cell to cell. When that happens it’s a longer process of dousing the battery to cool it down while fighting the fire.

As it was the fire was extinguished in less than an hour.

As far as the cause is concerned, in an email to The Suburban, Loïc Philibert, spokesperson for Lion Electric, said “an analysis is being conducted to determine the circumstances of the event. There is no further comment as to what may have happened.”

A statement from Alain Perron, spokesperson for the CSSDM, said “In accordance with our contracts, the carrier’s vehicles are subject to strict mechanical inspection requirements, and they are recent. We remain in close communication with the carrier to determine the cause of the incident. Student safety is and remains our top priority.” n

School bus fire not due to battery Read More »

Sixteen NDG households displaced by 5-alarm fire

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Dan Laxer
The Suburban

A five-alarm fire has displaced families from a 16-unit apartment building in NDG.

The fire broke out around 9 a.m. last Friday morning on Westmore near St. Jacques, near the Montreal West train station. One hundred and fifty firefighters battled to get the fire under control, many working from the roof of the four-storey building.

CDN-NDG Borough Mayor Gracia Kasoki Katahwa was at the scene, and said that the Red Cross would be helping the displaced residents. Katahwa also confirmed that there were no serious injuries. One firefighter had been transported to hospital after suffering heatstroke.

Katahwa indicated to The Suburban that the borough, along with the Office Municipal d’Habitation de Montréal (OMHM) and the NDG Community Council would be helping the residents.

The cause of the fire is as yet unknown. It may have started in a dumpster in the back of the building, spreading quickly. But that had not been confirmed by deadline.

Damage is estimated to be several hundred thousand dollars.

NDG-Westmount MP Anna Gainey posted to her social media later in the day “My thoughts are with the 16 families affected by today’s fire at Saint-Jacques and Westmore in NDG. I want to thank the firefighters who acted quickly to contain the blaze and protect lives, as well as the community workers and neighbours who are already stepping up to support those displaced.”

“In moments like these,” she added, “the strength of our community shines through. My office will continue to follow the situation closely and offer help wherever possible.”

The firefighters union did not wax as positive. The Association des Pompiers de Montréal, said that though the situation at 2012 Westmore could have been a lot worse, it also could have been a lot better. Highlighting the Auditor General’s recent report on the inefficiencies plaguing the SIM, including problems with inventory tracking, lack of working gear, it said that normally firefighters would have been at the scene in 3.5 minutes. “But not today. The firetruck at Station 77 was parked out of service in the garage, with four firefighters waiting because they lacked certified and compliant PPE (personal protective gear) to respond.”

Station 77 is located on Westminster Avenue in Montreal West, between Nelson and Brock, slightly more than a kilometre away from the fire.

Montreal fire chief Richard Liebman said after the release of the Auditor General’s report that the SIM was aware of the problem, and that the city had already invested more than $6 million for more PPE and other equipment.

But the union pointed out that, as of Friday night, “25 fire trucks are out of service across the island of Montreal, 19 of them due to a lack of compliant PPE.” n

Sixteen NDG households displaced by 5-alarm fire Read More »

Two cars set on fire in CSL

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

Two cars were set on fire at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday in Côte St. Luc, one of many incidents of this sort in the Montreal area in the last few years.

Some of those incidents have been in commercial or industrial parking lots, and others on residential streets and driveways. in this case, an SUV was on the street on Mapleridge Avenue and a car was in an apartment building parking lot near Caldwell.

SPVM spokesperson Caroline Chevrefils told The Suburban Sunday night that the incidents are considered to be arson, and that the investigation is in its early days. She also said the Montreal fire department quickly put out the blazes after several 911 calls were made. At least one car was heavily damaged. Both vehicles were towed away. There were no injuries.

Another notable car fire took place in CSL in late 2023, when three vehicles were damaged in a part of the parking lot of Le Montefiore at the corner of Cavendish Blvd. and Mackle Road, right near Quartier Cavendish. 

Two cars set on fire in CSL Read More »

Fire hits two homes in Dorval near airport

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire on Neptune Street, near the intersection of Cardinal, in Dorval in the early afternoon of Aug. 5.

The call came in at 12:38 p.m., with a second alarm issued at 12:46 p.m. Approximately 30 trucks and 60 firefighters were dispatched to the scene. The blaze was subdued shortly before 2 p.m.

Montreal Fire Department section chief Alain Laflamme told The Suburban that the fire started outside a single-tenant residence and quickly spread to a neighbouring property. Both houses are located less than one kilometre away from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. 

The adjacent building, a house divided into two apartments, suffered the most extensive damage, according to Laflamme. The occupants of that home were absent at the time, while other nearby residents were safely evacuated.

Crews faced additional hazards due to the presence of two major propane reservoirs – each containing about 400 litres. “These types of reservoirs are typically used for pool heating or heat pumps on the property,” Laflamme explained. At least one of the reservoirs exploded into flames, causing the fire to spread rapidly. 

No injuries were reported and no pets were declared on site.

Fire officials say there is no indication that the blaze was criminal in nature.

The perimeter set up around the properties, with the collaboration of Montreal police (SPVM) officers, had remained in place as of 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 5, while the fire department continued its examination of the site.

Fire hits two homes in Dorval near airport Read More »

 QUAIL hosting dinner to help displaced residents

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , , ,

By Trevor Greenway

Seven QUAIL House residents displaced by a house fire in mid-March still haven’t been able to return to their home in Chelsea. 

An electrical fire consumed the garage March 18, causing $100,000 in damages as it charred appliances, tools, supplies and the QUAIL van, which is used to take its residents – adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities – to doctors’ appointments and field trips. 

“We have not yet been able to return to the house, but all of our residents and staff are staying together at a temporary location in Wakefield,” said QUAIL volunteer Celine Nadreau. “It has been a big transition, especially for some of our residents, but the team has done an incredible job maintaining routines and a sense of stability.”

Nadreau said that QUAIL has been moved by the “outpouring of support” from the community, as many have donated meals and transportation to help support the local charity. QUAIL House is an independent living facility for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. 

 “We feel very fortunate to be surrounded by such generosity,” said Nadreau.

To help raise more money and expedite a return to the building, QUAIL is hosting a memorial dinner for QUAIL founding member, the late Audrey Jessup, at Les Fougères in Chelsea on May 14 at 6 p.m.

Chefs at Les Fougères are preparing a three-course meal for the event, which will cost attendees $125 per plate, which includes a $60 tax receipt. Tickets are available here: https://square.link/u/bumV1pwR. 

Visit www.maisonquailhouse.org for more information or to donate to the charity.

 QUAIL hosting dinner to help displaced residents Read More »

QUAIL fire displaces seven residents at independent living home

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Trevor Greenway

Seven residents at the independent living home QUAIL House in Chelsea were displaced after a fire tore through the home’s garage on March 18. 

According to Chelsea Fire Chief Charles Éthier, staff at QUAIL House called 911 just after 2 p.m., after they noticed smoke and flames coming from the garage. 

“The fire started in the garage, and it was contained to the garage area by the quick response of the fire department,” Éthier told the Low Down. He added that, while a cause hasn’t been determined, it was likely an electrical fire.

It took 17 firefighters about 45 minutes to extinguish the blaze, however Éthier said it could have been much worse. 

“Time is always essential in fighting fires,” added Éthier. “Every minute a fire can double in size – there’s a reason to call 911 before trying to extinguish a fire.”

Chelsea resident Dennis Walker was picking up his wife, who works at QUAIL, when the fire started and said that firefighters were on the scene within minutes. He said the fire spread quickly and could’ve ignited the rest of the house if the firefighters weren’t so quick. 

“Five more minutes and the house would have been gone,” said Walker. “The fire department was amazing. Thank god it didn’t happen at night, with the residents sleeping.”

There was only one resident and two staff members home at the time of the fire, as the others were out on a field trip. 

“Luckily, the fire happened during the daytime, and staff acted quickly to make sure that everyone was safely out of the house,” said QUAIL volunteer Lissa Heringer. She explained that the most challenging part of the incident is aiding residents, many of whom have intellectual disabilities, in adapting to new, temporary housing in the fire’s aftermath. 

“The most difficult thing for residents since the fire has been adjusting to unfamiliar homes and a big change to their daily routine. Our staff and volunteers have rallied to help residents settle in and adjust to the unfamiliar. They’ve really gone above and beyond the call,” added Heringer. “Our key concern throughout has been to keep our QUAIL family together under one roof.”

Heringer said the residents were initially housed at Motel Chelsea for the first few days before moving to Chelsea Vélo Nordic B&B. QUAIL has found a longer-term rental in Wakefield, where the residents can all stay together until they are permitted to go back into the home. Éthier said the home needs to be inspected by an electrician before the residents can return. QUAIL has no timeline for a return to the house. 

QUAIL lost everything in their garage, including a fridge, the residence van, equipment and more than 1,400 jars of jam that were ready for sale.  

“There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from the community from day one,” added Heringer. “We’ve had offers of meal prep, laundry services and temporary housing and accommodation. The QUAIL family is fortunate to be surrounded by such a caring and generous community.”

Éthier estimated the damage at $100,000.

Visit QUAIL online at www.quailhouse.org to donate.

QUAIL fire displaces seven residents at independent living home Read More »

DDO restaurant destroyed by suspected arson

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

A restaurant on Sunnybrooke Boulevard in Dollard-des-Ormeaux was struck by fire early Friday morning at approximately 1:30 a.m.

Montreal Police (SPVM) arrived at the scene located near Kingsley Street while Montreal firefighters were combating the flames.

A perimeter was established as firefighters worked to control the blaze, which caused significant damage to the structure.

The incident occurred during non-operational hours. No injuries were reported.

According to early information obtained by authorities, at least one suspect was observed fleeing the location following the fire’s outbreak, prompting the transfer of the investigation to the SPVM’s arson section.

Technical investigators conducted evidence collection throughout the day to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the suspicious fire. Surveillance footage will be reviewed and any potential witnesses will be met.

No arrests have been made as of press time.

DDO restaurant destroyed by suspected arson Read More »

Five-alarm fire strikes NDG property

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Joel Ceausu
The Suburban

The Montreal Police arson squad is investigating the five-alarm fire that hit a vacant property on Robert Burns in CDN-NDG, off Côte Saint-Luc road Sunday morning. Area residents reported smoke rising from the three-storey building before 5 am, and firefighters arrived to begin battling the blaze.

Montreal police say that it was soon determined that the fire was deliberately set inside the building which has been vacant for two years.

As of 6 AM Sunday morning the neighborhood air was thick with the smell of smoke, which lingered until at least 9 PM Sunday night long after firefighters had left. At 10 pm Sunday police and fire investigators remained on scene inspecting the property.

The site is known for frequent incidents including vandalism, youth gathering on the roof, and pest issues.

Last summer several police cruisers chased a gang of teens through Côte Saint-Luc after they were spotted on the property reportedly attempting to light a fire. The teens scattered throughout the neighborhood eluding police officers who chased them in cars and on foot through parking lots and underground garages.

The property is also well known as the source of a local rat problem, with rodents seen daily scurrying across the pedestrian bridge over Côte Saint-Luc Road to feed on garbage bins on Adalbert, Earle, Ashdale, or south to the fields and Connaught, racing back to the property to nest.

The property is slated for demolition this year to make way for an 18-storey mixed commercial and residential building. The 120-kV overhead high-voltage line within the Hydro-Québec easement behind the building will also be replaced by a larger, 65-metre high pylon closer to the railway track to accommodate the city’s and Hydro’s 27-km green corridor.

Five-alarm fire strikes NDG property Read More »

Three cars torched outside Ile-Bizard home

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Three vehicles were torched last Thursday in a residential parking lot in Île-Bizard.

Montreal police (SPVM) were alerted to the fire on Laurier Street, near Chevrier Boulevard at approximately 3:45 a.m.

A second 911 caller reported hearing an explosion near the same location shortly before officers arrived.

According to SPVM spokesperson Mariane Allaire-Morin, the officers immediately noticed a strong smell of accelerants emanating from three burning vehicles on arrival.

Firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire, avoiding damage to the home and neighbouring homes. Authorities say that the vehicles are considered a total loss.

Investigators determined the involvement of at least two suspects who were captured on surveillance cameras nearby.

The SPVM’s arson unit continued to investigate the scene in order to determine the circumstances surrounding the criminal fire.

No injuries were reported and no arrests have yet been made. n

Three cars torched outside Ile-Bizard home Read More »

Explosive Blaze Devastates Popular Grocery Store and Mosque in Park Extension

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,
Explosive Blaze Devastates Popular Grocery Store and Mosque in Park Extension

Dimitris Ilias-LJI Journalist

Early morning, on Friday the 26th of April, a significant three-alarm blaze ravaged BK Marché, a popular grocery store located in the Park Extension area. The fire reportedly started following an explosive sound heard by employees working the early shift, leading to a swift evacuation of the premises as smoke began to fill the structure. This incident not only impacted the grocery store but also extended to a mosque situated on the second floor of the same building.

The conflagration prompted immediate action from the emergency services, with approximately 90 firefighters arriving at the scene at the intersection of Jean Talon Street and Bloomfield Avenue shortly after 6 a.m. They battled the fire, which is believed to have originated in the building’s basement.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as residents of other units within the building were evacuated safely. The local community quickly gathered around the scene, showing solidarity and support for the grocery store owner during this distressing time. The store, which employs over 50 individuals, plays a significant role in the neighborhood.

As a precautionary measure and to facilitate emergency operations, Jean Talon Street was temporarily closed to vehicular traffic between L’Acadie Boulevard and Querbes Avenue throughout the morning.

Authorities, including the fire department, are still investigating to determine the exact cause of the fire. The closure of this central thoroughfare and the damage to the building has undoubtedly affected local traffic and businesses, underscoring the broader impact of such urban fires on community life and safety.

Explosive Blaze Devastates Popular Grocery Store and Mosque in Park Extension Read More »

Scroll to Top