Part of Old Hull paralyzed by flames

Mélissa Gélinas

Shortly before 5 am on November 11, Gatineau Police Service had to assist 54 firefighters from the Gatineau Fire Department in a major fire that broke out in a commercial building on Laval Street in Old Hull. A total of 12 buildings were affected by the flames.

According to Patrick Kenney, a spokesperson for the Police Service, the building was located near several businesses. Among those affected were the Cardinal Cosmétique aesthetic clinic, the Hellbound Tattoo studio, the Habitude-design boutique, Vision Centre-Ville, and more. The City of Gatineau confirmed that it would help those affected to relocate. “Municipal teams are in communication with all businesses and organizations to support them in finding short-term solutions,” said Steve Moran, Hull-Wright City Councillor.

To bring the flames under control, the fire department had to work tirelessly, given the proximity and age of the buildings. Specialized tools, including chainsaws, had to be used to open the structures (walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs) to contain the fire and allow air circulation to ensure the proper functioning of the equipment. After a lengthy operation, the fire was finally brought under control.

The incident caused no injuries but resulted in significant material losses. According to Marc Dubé, the owner of the affected buildings, the damages will likely reach seven figures. “Since the origin of the fire is unknown, the Police have opened an investigation to determine the causes and circumstances surrounding this event,” stated Kenney. Consequently, because the structure is considered unstable, investigators had to use alternative methods such as a close-up lens on a camera, the use of a drone, and several others. To this end, a perimeter was established to allow them to conduct the necessary analyses.

The investigation is ongoing.

(Trans.: MB)