The Quebec Fire Service was called shortly after 11:15 p.m. to respond to a house fire at 1790, Saint-Denis rang.
The major fire apparently broke out in the garage adjacent to the house. Initial reports said two-meter-high flames were shooting out of the garage windows.
There were three people in the house at the time of the fire. When they learned of the fire, they quickly evacuated the house and were uninjured, says Bill Noonan, spokesman for the Quebec Fire Protection Service.
Given the extent of the fire, the chief requested up to three alarms to ensure adequate staffing. Part of the roof collapsed and the flames spread to the ground floor.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
Gas leak
At the back of the house, firefighters discovered a 420-pound propane tank that was leaking through the vacuum valve “due to heat and flames.”
To prevent an explosion and ensure the safety of the operation, firefighters had to continuously cool the propane cylinder.
Hydro-Québec insulated the residence with electricity at the chief’s request.
Total loss
A total of 50 firefighters were on duty during the operation. Despite their efforts, the house was so badly damaged that it could not be restored. The fire was extinguished in defense mode, explains Bill Noonan.
In order to reach hard-to-reach places and complete the extinguishing work, it was necessary to use a turntable ladder and an articulated lifting platform.
The SPVQ patrol officers ensured a traffic bypass during the operation. There was also a visit by the Red Cross and the fire commissioner on site.