Fire on Demers Street: the exact cause remains undetermined

One thing is certain, it was a fire of accidental origin. But the exact cause of the fire which heavily damaged a residence on Demers Street in Victoriaville early Monday cannot be precisely established.

This is the conclusion reached by the Fire Safety Service (SSI) following its research into the causes and circumstances of the fire. “We have certain leads, but we cannot identify a cause 100%. This is why the cause will remain undetermined. But it is an accidental cause and not a voluntary gesture,” said the director of the SSI, Patrick Davidson, on Tuesday morning.

The fire, remember, was reported around 4:20 a.m. by a neighbor across the street. Responding to a general alarm, some 25 firefighters, including those from the Princeville barracks of the L’Érable Regional Fire Safety Service (SSIRÉ) came to assist.

The fire started in the rear carport. A young man, the owner’s son, was in the basement when the fire broke out. Fortunately, he was able to evacuate.

The firefighters, moreover, managed to remove one of the three cats present in the house.

The fire, which was brought under control in three hours, caused considerable damage estimated at some $250,000.