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Fire strikes seniors’ residence in eastern Quebec forcing evacuation

There were no injuries reported after a fire struck a seniors' residence in eastern Quebec. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020. Mario Beauregard / The Canadian Press

Provincial police say there were no injuries after fire hit a seniors’ residence in the eastern Quebec community of Gaspé.

The Manoir Saint-Augustin is home to 131 residents and was damaged by the blaze that began early Thursday, just after 1 a.m.

READ MORE: Dozens evacuated after fire in seniors’ residence in Trois Pistoles, Que.

Police say an investigation is ongoing, but they believe that an unattended cigarette set a mattress on fire.

Firefighters arrived to find thick smoke in the corridors of the building.

READ MORE: Quebec postpones sprinkler requirement for private seniors’ homes to 2022

Residents were taken care of by their families or Canadian Red Cross volunteers.

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Police say they don’t know when residents will be allowed to return to their homes because the water used to douse the flames caused considerable damage.

READ MORE: 1 dead, 11 hospitalized after suspicious fire in seniors home

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