Kahnawake fire makes morning commute difficult on Mercier Bridge

Firefighters were called to Kahnawake Thursday morning after a blaze broke out in the Plaza 138 mall.

The mall, located on Highway 138 houses a few small businesses including a gas station.

WATCH BELOW: Video of the fire was posted on Facebook by Jeremy White

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Several fire departments from neighbouring communities were called in to assist.

Jodi Diabo, spokesperson for the Peacekeepers, Kahnawakes’s police force, said the fire spread quickly because of strong winds.

“The building is destroyed,” she said.

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "The building is destroyed," she said.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

A large safety perimeter was established.

Highway 138 was closed in both directions, affecting commuters who need to cross the Mercier Bridge to head into Montreal.

Diabo said the highway would be closed at least until 10 a.m. Thursday.

Officials are recommending motorists avoid the area and use the Champlain Bridge if they need to get into the city.