Breaking: Fire Shuts jacques-Cartier Bridge After Blaze Tears Through Historic Lorimier Factory
A late-night blaze forced the temporary closure of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge on Wednesday, after flames ripped through a former factory at 1600 Avenue De Lorimier, near Boulevard De Maisonneuve. Traffic resumed in both directions by late afternoon.
The fire’s origin remains undetermined, according to the Montreal Police Service.Officials said there were no injuries and that investigators did not consider the incident criminal at this stage.
The bridge closure created meaningful congestion for motorists and prompted detours for several Montreal Transit lines. Fire crews worked through the evening to contain the blaze as the building’s upper floors became engulfed.
Around 6 p.m.,part of the structure had collapsed. The Montreal Fire Department, known locally as SIM, escalated to a fourth alarm just after midnight, mobilizing roughly one hundred firefighters who had been alerted about 11:50 p.m. Tuesday. Crews reported the fire began in the basement and spread upward.
Old Factory, New Plans
The site is a historic factory complex built in 1910. It has housed barsalou, a soap manufacturer, then Familex from 1943 to 1983, before Cosoltec acquired the building in 2019. The structure is also linked to the bridge’s famous curve, a result of an expropriation dispute during the bridge’s construction.
Renovation plans to convert the former factory into housing and commercial space have been in development as 2023, with borough permits in place. The site has also drawn attention for squatters taking refuge inside in recent times.
key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1600 Avenue De Lorimier, Montreal |
| Incident | Fire at a former factory; origin undetermined |
| Bridge Impact | Jacques-cartier Bridge closed to traffic; reopened late afternoon |
| Response | Fourth alarm; about 100 firefighters on scene |
| Building Status | Part of the building collapsed around 6 p.m. |
| Examination | SPVM on-site; not deemed criminal at this time |
| Historical Use | Factory complex; Barsalou, Familex, Cosoltec |
| Redevelopment | Plans for housing and commerce; borough permits issued since 2023 |
Evergreen Context
Historic industrial sites often pose redevelopment opportunities alongside safety challenges. When buildings age and sit vacant, authorities must balance preservation, housing needs, and risk assessment. This incident underscores the importance of robust emergency planning for adjacent infrastructure and the value of clear timelines for redevelopment projects in urban cores.
What It Means For You
Big-city zoning and redevelopment narratives hinge on coordinating fire safety, transit operations, and neighborhood impacts. As plans evolve, residents and commuters will want updates on work timelines, detours, and any changes to nearby services.
Reader engagement
1) How should cities balance honoring historic industrial sites with modern safety and housing demands?
2) What measures would you like seen to prevent future disruptions to major transit arteries during urban fires?
Share your reflections and experiences in the comments below.
