The fire of January 1, 1980 in Chapais will remain forever engraved in the collective memory of the community. The start of 2025 will mark the 45th anniversary of the sad event, the after-effects of which remain vivid among the population.
The sad events of what was supposed to be a festive event brought back painful memories for the mayor of Chapais, Jacques Fortin. The one who experienced the event up close and who lost several friends tells us in an interview how he feels and how the community will experience these difficult times of December 31, 2024 and January 1, 2025.
“We are not talking about an anniversary here to talk about this event, a word which is not appropriate. Let’s say instead that we wish to mark the 45th anniversary of the sad event of New Year’s 1, 1980 in the city of Chapais,” emphasizes Mayor Fortin from the outset.
Mayor Fortin is very clear on one point: “The city of Chapais will not relive this sad event on the 1st of the year 2025. On December 29, the citizens of Chapais will gather at the Knights of Columbus hall to celebrate the new year 2025.”
A sensitive subject
Even 45 years after the fire which claimed 49 victims, New Year’s Day 1980 remains a sensitive, almost taboo subject. Such an event, which so deeply marks a tight-knit community, can only leave indelible traces not only in the collective memory, but also in the memories of those who were present during this fire.
“For the community of Chapais, this tragedy remains an indelible memory. We rarely talk about it when people ask us about it. We respond with a brief summary, so as not to rekindle wounds and people understand. »
An action with serious consequences
Mayor Fortin remembers the circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the fire and the tragic aftermath that followed. The tragic course of events remains etched in his memory. He still talks about it 45 years later with strong emotion in his voice.
“The tragedy of Chapais was unfortunately born from a trivial act: a person played with a lighter, triggering a tragic fire which claimed the lives of 49 members of our community. This tragic event, still 45 years later, remains difficult to approach without reviving painful emotions. It’s an injury that we will never forget,” says Mr. Fortin.
He adds this: “I would like people to remember that a simple, innocuous gesture can lead to such a tragedy. This is why I invite you, in this time of festivities, to exercise caution. »
After-effects that remain
The fire of 1980 left personal scars on the mayor of Chapais. If we asked the men and women who experienced the tragedy in 1980, it is certain that it will also have had a profound impact on them.
“When people ask me what aftereffects this tragedy has left, I can only be honest. The holiday season is now full of bitter nostalgia for me. Every year, this fire comes back to mind and breaks the festive atmosphere. The joy and explosion of happiness I once felt are gone, replaced by a melancholy that I can’t always overcome. »
Increased vigilance
Mayor Fortin insists that this event had a profound impact on the Chapais community and caused certain changes in behavior.
“Since then, we have remained vigilant. We ensure that safety measures are taken, that emergency exits are clear and accessible. These have become essential reflexes for every group or event. »
A possible commemoration
Furthermore, Mayor Fortin welcomes the action taken by the Chapais firefighters regarding the restoration of tombstones. He also does not rule out a possible future commemoration.
“It is a great initiative that the Chapais firefighters have made with a fundraiser for the restoration of the tombstones for people who died during this tragedy of January 1, 1980. When the restoration is complete, it would be good for a commemoration ceremony is organized by the community,” believes Mr. Fortin.
On the other hand, Mayor Jacques Fortin is also very respectful towards the families affected by the tragedy. “We are not marking this event out of respect for the families affected by this ordeal and who live in Chapais. »
A changing community
“Time passes and Chapais changes. New generations are taking their place, people from outside are coming to settle in, often without knowing this history. The face of the city is changing little by little, but for those who lived through that night (January 1, 1980), the memory remains. »
One thing is certain: whether it has been 20, 30 or even 45 years since this tragedy was experienced by the community, the images will remain well etched in people’s memories. Memories that keep alive the people who died in the fire of January 1, 1980 in Chapais.
