A recent Quebec fire that completely destroyed a home in Saint-Lambert Monday has raised questions and concerns about public security in the South Shore city.
Residents are questioning why one of the city’s closest fire hydrant to the blaze was out of order. Residents on the street say it’s been in that state for years.
“It’s been out of order for at least 10 years. The city has known that,” longtime resident of Bedford Avenue David Sheltus said.
Firefighters were forced to only use the hydrant near Alexandra Park. It is the closest functioning hydrant in proximity to the blaze, according to the cities figures.
The fire broke out at around 5:30 p.m. Monday, according to Stéphane Difruscia, spokesperson for the Longueuil fire department.
It took some 40 firefighters several hours to quell the flames. The home that was under construction is a complete write-off.
Neighbouring homes sustained minor damages. No one was in the home at the time of the blaze.
According to Difruscia, the fire hydrant on Bedford avenue “is not listed as operational and crews were aware of this when assessing the scene.”
However, Sheltus, who watched the action unfold, said crews wasted valuable time trying to access the hydrant on the corner of Bedford Avenue before realizing it was not in service.
“I saw them roll out the fire hose before they noticed.”
Difruscia claims despite the minor confusion, efforts to put out the fire were not hampered.
Difruscia says heating equipment or an electrical fire on the construction site may be the cause of the blaze but an investigation is ongoing.
“The new roof was installed last week and new windows about three hours prior to the fire,” Sheltus said.
The fire department says the city of Saint-Lambert is responsible for the maintenance of its hydrants.
The two fire hydrants are situated a short distance apart on either side of Bedford Avenue.
Saint-Lambert officials said in a statement they are aware of the faulty hydrant and are currently in the process of replacing it.
“The hydrant is extremely difficult to repair because of its location near underground structures and electrical panels,”the city said.
Mayor Pascale Mongrain said residents should rest assured that the “entirety of the territory is adequately protected” with 610 functioning fire hydrants.
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