More than 100 Montreal firefighters responded to a late-night fire that displaced numerous residents in the Parc-Extension area. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Wednesday at a two-story building on St-Roch Street close to De l’Épée Avenue. The structure housed both a commercial space on the first floor and approximately 10 residential units on the upper level.
According to William Murray, a Section Chief with the Montreal Fire Department, witnesses reported hearing explosions before the fire broke out. By the time emergency responders arrived, the entire building was ablaze, with a section of it already collapsed.
Emergency services confirmed that three individuals sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital, while the Red Cross is assisting thirty displaced individuals. As of 7 a.m., the fire was under control, but firefighting teams remained on-site to ensure no further risks of spreading.
Murray mentioned that investigations are ongoing, and initial assessments suggest that arson is not suspected. There were recent renovations on the commercial floor, prompting authorities to examine any potential connection between the renovation work and the fire outbreak.
