According to information from the SPCIQ.
Firefighters responded to a fire in a commercial building. The building is at 4500, boulevard Henri-Bourassa, a large building and brings together several businesses.
The firefighters were alerted a little before 4 a.m. last night, the information received indicated a strong smell of burning, a lot of gray/black smoke visible from the roof and the rear of the building.
The fire was located in a business on the 2nd floor and was progressing. The firefighters then forced the entrance to the business to enter.
The fire spread through the building’s ventilation, heating and air conditioning ducts to neighboring businesses and the roof, explained Bill Noonan, spokesperson for the SPCIQ.
Nearly 35 firefighters responded and two alarms were sounded.
A dryer could be the cause
The Fire Commissioner went to the site to determine the cause and origin of the fire, which would be accidental in nature and which would have started in a dryer, indicated the SPCIQ spokesperson.
Prevention advice from the Quebec Fire Protection Service
It is important to empty the lint filter after each use of a dryer. Lint is combustible and can create a fire hazard if the appliance overheats. When necessary, remove the lint filter and, with the appropriate size nozzle, vacuum up the lint residue that accumulates under the filter. At least once a year, you should also clean the dryer vent that leads outside. One indicator of duct blockage is that our clothes are taking much longer to dry than usual. In this case, it is important to clean your duct, as this poses a fire hazard. Also, never put clothes or fabrics soaked in flammable liquid inside the dryer. They must be air dried, even if they have been washed beforehand. It is recommended that you do not leave a dryer running unattended.
