Five-Alarm Inferno Engulfs Historic Plateau Building, Leaving One Critically Injured and Families Displaced

A devastating five-alarm fire tore through a residential building in Montreal's vibrant Plateau-Mont-Royal borough early Sunday morning, leaving one man critically injured and forcing numerous families from their homes. The inferno, which required the efforts of nearly 100 firefighters, cast a pall over the usually bustling neighbourhood.

The harrowing incident unfolded around 3:30 a.m.

on Mentana Street, near Rachel Street, transforming the pre-dawn quiet into a scene of urgent chaos. Firefighters arrived to find a raging blaze that had quickly escalated, originating on the third floor of the three-storey structure before consuming the roof and spreading rapidly throughout the building.

Amidst the escalating flames and thick smoke, emergency crews discovered a man inside the engulfed building.

He was immediately rushed to the hospital in critical condition, fighting for his life against the severe injuries sustained in the fire. His identity has not yet been released.

The intensity of the blaze necessitated a massive response, with the Montreal Fire Department declaring a five-alarm emergency.

Over 90 firefighters worked tirelessly for several hours, battling the inferno in frigid conditions. Their heroic efforts managed to contain the spread, preventing further destruction to adjacent properties, but the primary building suffered extensive damage, rendering it uninhabitable.

The fire's aftermath has left a significant impact on the community.

Officials confirmed that approximately 15 individuals from five separate households have been displaced due to the fire. The Canadian Red Cross swiftly mobilized to assist these affected families, providing emergency accommodation, food, and other essential support to help them navigate this sudden and profound loss.

As the smoke clears and the full extent of the damage is assessed, investigators from the Montreal Fire Department's arson squad are working to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the devastating blaze.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of fire and the critical importance of community resilience in the face of tragedy.