The blaze apparently started early in the afternoon in the six-unit building located on rue Laviolette, between rue Richard and rue Monseigneur-Cooke.
“The fire started around 2:30 p.m. at the rear of the building and spread quickly to the attic. When we arrived, there was a fire,” explains the director of the Fire Safety Service, Dany Cloutier.
The fire apparently started at the rear of the building, very close to the roof, (Stéphan Ratelle)
This is what would explain the intensity of the blaze due to the flammability of the materials used in this location.
Due to the accessibility of the fire, the 50 firefighters from Trois-Rivières and Bécancour were able to bring it under control quickly, confirms Mr. Cloutier.
Neighboring buildings were spared from the flames, confirms Mr. Cloutier.
The Trois-Rivières police officers were also called in to provide reinforcements to create a security perimeter and allow the evacuation of residents. To this end, we confirm that the eight occupants were quickly evacuated. A bus from the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières was on site to welcome them.
A large plume of smoke was also visible for several kilometers Tuesday afternoon, particularly on Highway 40.
The Chemin-du-Roy School Service Center informed parents at the end of the day of possible delays on certain bus routes.
An investigation will be launched to determine the causes of the fire.
