Old Port fire: the facade of the building will be dismantled

The facade of the heritage building in Place d'Youville, which was engulfed in flames Thursday in Old Montreal, will be dismantled on Sunday. At least seven people are still missing.

This operation follows inspection work carried out by engineers from the Fire Safety Service (SIM) on Saturday. In particular, it will allow the authorities to enter the building to investigate the causes of the fire.

“To allow all stakeholders to conduct research safely inside, we must proceed with the structured dismantling of the facade, stone by stone, on the second and third floors of the building”, announced the head of division at SIM Martin Guilbault, during a press briefing on Saturday evening.

At least seven people are still missing according to the most recent report from the authorities, but this number could be revised upwards, indicated the Montreal Police Service (SPVM).

Could include holidaymakers as the building housed many short-term rental accommodations, although this activity is not permitted in the area. The dismantling of the facade will also allow the SIM and SPVM teams to search for remains.

“Our surgery will be done with the utmost respect for the victims who may be inside the rubble,” said Martin Guilbault.

Among the nine people hospitalized Thursday in the wake of the fire, two of them are still receiving care at the burns centre.

The SIM and the SPVM say they have need several days or even weeks to be able to determine the circumstances in which the fire started.