Montreal’s Jacques Cartier Bridge is currently closed to traffic due to a significant fire that erupted in a nearby vacant industrial building on the evening of Tuesday, November 14. The blaze, which was reported around 11:30 p.m., raised concerns over structural safety, prompting authorities to take immediate action.
Fire Breaks Out in Vacant Building
The fire ignited in the three-storey structure located at the intersection of De Lorimier Avenue and Logan Street. Firefighters responded quickly, but the flames spread from the first floor to the upper levels. Given the intensity of the smoke and the potential for the building to collapse onto the bridge’s pillars, officials from the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated made the decision to close the bridge entirely at 6 a.m. on Wednesday.
Montreal police are now leading the investigation into the incident, with Const. Jeanne Drouin confirming that the arson unit has yet to access the site. Authorities have not ascertained whether anyone was present in the building at the time the fire began. “For now, what I can tell you is that we are truly investigating a fire of an undetermined nature,” Drouin stated during a press briefing.
Building Demolition Underway
By Wednesday morning, the fire was reported to be under control. Montreal fire department division chief Martin Guilbault noted that excavators had been deployed to demolish the building due to safety concerns, particularly regarding the advertising panels affixed to its roof.
In a positive update for commuters, the federal bridge authority confirmed that two southbound lanes toward the South Shore were reopened to traffic later that afternoon. However, the northbound lanes and the pedestrian pathways in both directions remained closed. “The next steps are to work on demolishing the building, and as soon as we’re sure the structure is safe, we’ll reopen the bridge lanes,” Guilbault explained, emphasising the importance of safety in the ongoing operations.
Historical Significance of the Building
The building that caught fire was constructed in 1910 and holds historical significance. Its location influenced the architectural design of the Jacques Cartier Bridge, which had to curve to accommodate the structure. Originally home to soap manufacturer Joseph Barsalou, the site later hosted various businesses, including Procter & Gamble and the pharmaceutical company Familex. After years of vacancy, the local borough had been deliberating future plans for the site before the fire occurred.
Why it Matters
The closure of the Jacques Cartier Bridge, a vital transport artery connecting Montreal to its South Shore, underscores the challenges posed by urban infrastructure and fire safety. As investigators work to determine the cause of the blaze, the incident highlights the need for ongoing assessments of aging buildings and their impact on surrounding communities. The swift action by authorities not only ensured public safety but also reflects the delicate balance between preserving historical sites and safeguarding modern infrastructure.
