LJI Reporter
Tashi Farmilo

A devastating fire erupted in a residential apartment building on Fontaine Street in the Hull
sector of Gatineau, claiming the life of a 74-year-old man and forcing the evacuation of
numerous residents. The incident occurred just after 9:30 pm on the evening of March 7,
prompting a swift response from local emergency services.

According to officials from the Gatineau Police Service (SPVG), police officers were dispatched
to the scene to assist the Gatineau Fire Safety Service (SSIG) in managing the emergency.
Upon arrival, they established a security perimeter to ensure the safety of the public and
facilitate the firefighters’ efforts to control the blaze.

The fire, which originated in the apartment building, led to the immediate evacuation of its
residents. They were temporarily displaced while firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the
flames. Fortunately, after the fire was brought under control, residents were allowed to return to
their homes.

During the incident, however, a 74-year-old male resident was transported to the hospital by the
Outaouais Paramedic Cooperative (CPO). Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical
personnel, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. The cause of the fire and the
circumstances surrounding the man’s death are currently under investigation.

As this occurrence has triggered a coroner’s investigation, the scene remains under police
surveillance. Investigators and fire scene technicians are conducting a thorough analysis to
determine the cause of the fire and to ascertain whether any preventable factors contributed to
the fatality.

Patrick Kenney, a representative from the Gatineau Police Service, stated, “We do not have any
updates to offer at this time on the causes and circumstances surrounding this event, since it is
now under a coroner’s investigation.”

The community is in mourning as it comes to terms with this tragic event. Local authorities are
continuing their investigation and are expected to provide updates as more information
becomes available.

Photo: A catastrophic blaze broke out in a residential apartment building on Fontaine Street in
Gatineau’s Hull sector, resulting in the death of a 74-year-old man. (TF) Photo courtesy of the
Gatineau Police