2 dead after major ‘suspicious’ fire in Old Montreal, police investigate
Approximately 40 people were evacuated from the building, but it remains unclear if all residents have been accounted for.
A major fire broke out early Friday morning in a century-old building in Old Montreal, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and prompting a significant response from local fire services. The fire occurred on Notre-Dame Street east, near Bonsecours, and led to the deployment of 125 firefighters to combat the flames.
One person remains in critical condition with severe burns, while two others sustained injuries, potentially due to smoke inhalation. Fortunately, no firefighters were reported injured during the incident. Montreal police have initiated an investigation into the fire, which is being treated as "suspicious."
Authorities plan to hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. to provide further details on the situation. Approximately 40 people were evacuated from the building, but it remains unclear if all residents have been accounted for. The Red Cross reported assisting around 30 individuals, many of whom will require temporary shelter.
Guy Lapointe, Division Chief for the Montreal Fire Department, stated that efforts are underway to locate everyone who was inside the building, although it is still unknown if there are any missing persons. As of 11 a.m., firefighters had not yet been able to enter the building due to ongoing structural evaluations.
The fire is believed to have originated on the first floor of the three-story structure, which housed a restaurant-bar on the ground level and short-term rentals on the upper floors. Built in 1923, the building is owned by Emile Benamor, the same individual who owned a heritage building on Place D’Youville that was destroyed by a fire in March 2023, an incident that claimed seven lives and is currently under criminal investigation.
Fiona Ham, President of the Association of Residents of Old Montreal, expressed her shock at the recurrence of such a tragedy involving the same landlord. She emphasized the need for a reassessment of safety standards in Old Montreal's historic buildings to better protect residents and the neighborhood.
The SPVM (Service de police de la Ville de Montréal) has closed several streets near Montreal City Hall to facilitate the firefighters' operations, and the public is advised to avoid the area. Additionally, power outages may occur in the vicinity as a result of the fire response efforts.
