Two major fires and a fire alarm, the firefighters of the L’Érable Regional Fire Safety Service (SSIRÉ) experienced it on Tuesday, having to deal, in addition, with significant heat.
It all started at the end of the day, around 3:40 p.m., when firefighters were called to a fire that broke out at the Dubois et Frères dealership on Saint-Louis Avenue in Plessisville.
“Work could be the cause of the fire, but the research work on the causes and circumstances will continue on Wednesday,” said the director of SSIRÉ, Éric Boucher.
The fire broke out towards the rear of the building where there is a bodywork and mechanics workshop. “The fire climbed to the attic and produced significant smoke,” the officer said.
The fire required the intervention of around fifty firefighters from several SSIRÉ barracks. Princeville firefighters were also requested for mutual assistance.
Avenue Saint-Louis, in the area, had to be closed to traffic.
The director of SSIRÉ also called on agents from the SIUCQ MRC of Arthabaska for the rehabilitation of firefighters. “They were a big help. It was necessary with the heat it was. It was very appreciated,” underlined Éric Boucher.
Moreover, some firefighters were bothered by the heat. Paramedics were on site to assess their condition. A sapper had to be transported to Hôtel-Dieu in Arthabaska due to heatstroke.
“I also thank the people at the Ultramar convenience store, next to the fire, for their contribution with drinks and food,” said Director Boucher.
The damage to the building was significant, but the concrete fire walls played their role well. “They prevented the fire from spreading to the entire building which was saved, as well as the vehicles that were there,” said the officer.
Fire at Saint-Sophie
Already mobilized at the Dubois et Frères garage, the firefighters received another call for a fire alarm at the La Samare high school, an unfounded alarm, however.
Never two without three, as the saying goes, the SSIRÉ received a third call around 5:50 p.m., this time for a fire breaking out in a garage on the 2nd row in Sainte-Sophie-d’Halifax.
The plume of smoke was also clearly visible from Plessisville. Firefighters from barracks 13, 58 and 45 were notably deployed, as were Princeville firefighters.
“The conflagration was widespread when we arrived and the fire had started to spread to the forest,” said Éric Boucher.
The garage, more of a forestry type and detached from the residence, contained a lot of machinery and equipment, including a tractor. “It appears to be an accidental fire. Grinding work could be involved,” reported the director of SSIRÉ.
SIUCQ agents were also deployed near Sainte-Sophie.
A whole day, therefore, for the members of the SSIRÉ. “I would like to highlight everyone’s work. Everyone did an excellent job, great teamwork,” concluded Éric Boucher.
