More than 12 hours after the fire started, firefighters are still trying to control the blaze at the historic Chapel of Bon-Pasteur, on Sherbrooke Street East, in Montreal.
• Also read: Big fire in Montreal: The historic Chapelle du Bon-Pasteur burns down
They spent the night fighting the flames relentlessly. At around 07:00 on Friday morning, at least 150 firefighters were still mobilized at the scene of the fire, as well as around forty vehicles.
Screenshot, TVA Nouvelles
An eight-year-old was also transported to a hospital due to hypothermia during the night. The circumstances that led to this hospitalization are still unknown.
Two minor collapses were also recorded in the building.
Screenshot, TVA Nouvelles
“We are still getting the fire under control. We had a partial collapse at the level of the bell tower and at the level of the roof, of the right section, which also had a partial collapse,” explains Émilie Barbeau Charlebois, section chief of the Montreal Fire Safety Service.
According to her, the architectural type of the building makes the firefighters’ work more complex.
Screenshot, TVA Nouvelles
Inside the building, which still emits smoke, is a residence for seniors, Héritage Montréal offices and a concert hall.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Screenshot, TVA Nouvelles
Air quality
An air quality warning is in effect in Montreal, however, with higher than normal pollution levels due to the fire at the Chapelle du Bon-Pasteur.
Nearby buildings had to close their ventilation to prevent residents from inhaling too much smoke.
