A major building fire broke out in Montreal’s old port, resulting in one person being sent to the hospital with severe burns. The fire started in a ground-level restaurant on Notre-Dame East street before quickly spreading to the three-storey building. Two people were evacuated from the building, which had rental apartments on the second and third floors. Over 125 firefighters were called to the scene to extinguish the five-alarm fire, but they were unable to enter the building due to concerns about its structural integrity. During the intervention, a section of the building partially collapsed. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and Montreal police will be taking over the investigation. The owner of the building is Emile Benamour, who also owned the Airbnb building that caught fire in March of the previous year, resulting in seven fatalities.
The fire in Montreal’s old port caused significant damage to the building and forced the evacuation of residents living in the rental apartments on the upper floors. The flames spread quickly, leading to a five-alarm response from more than 125 firefighters. One person was injured and had to be hospitalized with severe burns. Due to concerns about the structural integrity of the building, fire crews were unable to enter the premises and had to battle the blaze from outside. During the intervention, part of the building collapsed, further complicating efforts to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire remains unknown, prompting Montreal police to launch an investigation into the incident.
The owner of the building, Emile Benamour, has faced similar challenges in the past, as he was also the owner of the Airbnb building that caught fire the previous year, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven people. The connection between the two incidents raises questions about the safety measures in place in Benamour’s properties and the need for stricter regulations in the rental housing sector. The repeat occurrence of building fires in properties owned by the same individual highlights the importance of thorough investigations and inspections to prevent future tragedies. Montreal police will be conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the fire and assess any potential negligence on the part of the property owner.
The fire in Montreal’s old port serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of building fires and the urgent need for fire safety measures in residential properties. The incident underscores the risks faced by residents living in rental apartments and the importance of ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future. The quick response from fire crews and emergency responders prevented further injuries and loss of life, but the extent of the damage to the building raises concerns about its structural stability and potential for further collapse. As the investigation unfolds, authorities will be looking into the circumstances surrounding the fire and the actions taken by the property owner to ensure the safety of residents.
In the aftermath of the building fire in Montreal’s old port, efforts will be focused on assessing the extent of the damage and determining the next steps for the affected residents. The evacuation of individuals living in the rental apartments highlights the challenges faced by tenants in such situations and the need for support in finding alternative housing. The coordination of emergency services and community organizations will be crucial in providing assistance to those impacted by the fire and addressing their immediate needs. As the investigation progresses, authorities will be working to uncover the cause of the fire and hold accountable any parties responsible for negligence or failure to comply with safety regulations. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the need for proactive measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
