[PHOTOS] A fire causes turmoil in old Quebec

A fire caused chaos in Old Quebec during the day when about fifty firefighters were mobilized to put out a blaze that started in a building on rue Saint-Jean that houses Bailard’s artisan bakery.

Firefighters were alerted shortly after 11:15 a.m. by witnesses of smoke in the four-story building located at 1097 rue Saint-Jean. The residential and commercial building specifically houses the Bylard Artisan Bakery.

Marcel Tremblay / QMI Agency

The fire, which required a third alarm, mobilized sixty firefighters.

Marcel Tremblay / QMI Agency

At the time of writing, the circumstances surrounding the fire are still unknown. However, the SPCIQ confirms that the flames originated in a kitchen on the second floor, in Bailard, and the arson theory has been ruled out. So it’s a random cause. Firefighters arrived at the scene on Thursday afternoon to establish the exact circumstances of the incident.

Marcel Tremblay / QMI Agency

The fire was extinguished shortly after they arrived, spokesman Alexandre Lajoie said. Several residents were evacuated, but SPCIQ reported no injuries. Residents were unable to return to their apartments as the building was damaged by fire. A civil defense representative was on site to ensure the ten victims were being cared for by the Red Cross.

Marcel Tremblay / QMI Agency

Marcel Tremblay / QMI Agency

Marcel Tremblay / QMI Agency

The event, which took place in a historic and busy area during this tourist season, drew reactions from several elected officials, including Quebec’s mayor, Bruno Marchant.

From New York where he works, Mr. Marchant called on citizens not to interfere with firefighters’ work by staying away from the safety perimeter and avoiding traffic in Old Quebec.

“Obviously, all of our thoughts are with the citizens and businesses of the area,” he concluded.

Jonathan Julien, the minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region, noted that he was “following the matter closely” from his X account.

“My thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event,” he added.