Fire in a building in Quebec in the Sainte-Foy sector
According to initial information
Firefighters responded around 10:45 a.m. to a major fire in a 15-story building under construction at the intersection of Route de l’Église and Chemin des Quatres-Bourgeois.
All workers evacuated the scene and no one was injured, the fire department said.
The first units to arrive on site quickly confirmed a fire that had broken out outside, on 1er floor as well as the roof, indicated that SPCIQ.
The adjacent and inhabited building was evacuated, around 30. The damage is limited to a small part of the exterior covering, a portion of the roof and around four dwellings (water damage) which cannot be reinstated. These occupants will be taken care of by the Red Cross, indicated the SPCIQ.
Nearly 70 firefighters were deployed on site. Three alarms were sounded. Streets in the area were closed to traffic and remained closed around 1:20 p.m.
The fire apparently started at the bottom of the building. Flames were visible on the side of the building, at the bottom of the building, and on the roof, according to images we viewed.
The column of black smoke emanating from the roof was visible for miles around.
Intervention is completed and the intersection reopens at 1:30 p.m.
Accidental fire
Audio clip: explanations with the spokesperson for the Quebec City Fire Department, Alexandre Lajoie
The Fire Commissioner’s investigation showed that it was an accidental fire caused by welding work. Sparks from the work would have ignited construction materials at the foot of the building and the fire quickly spread to the roof through the unfinished exterior covering, indicated the SPCIQ
