Two separate residential fires in Montreal on Sunday, January 4, 2026, forced the evacuation of dozens of residents, including one person with reduced mobility, as firefighters battled the blazes in extreme cold conditions.
Early Morning Blaze in Mercier—Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
A fire that broke out just after 1:00 a.m. in a two-storey building at the corner of Beaubien Street and Rodolphe-Mathieu Avenue sent one family fleeing from their home. Montreal fire department Battalion Chief Sylvain Granger confirmed the fire originated in the attic of the structure, which contains four residential units.
The alarm was raised at 1:21 a.m., prompting a major response. Approximately 20 fire trucks and 55 firefighters were deployed to the scene. Chief Granger noted that the extreme cold necessitated a larger-than-usual complement of personnel, as ventilation equipment is affected by the low temperatures and crews require more frequent relief.
The fire was declared under control by 3:30 a.m. One unit sustained heavy damage, leading to the evacuation of a single family, who were subsequently assisted by the Red Cross. The other three units were unoccupied at the time. The cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation by the fire department.
Major Evacuation in Montreal North
Later on Sunday morning, a second fire triggered a larger evacuation. At 11:31 a.m., a blaze was reported in a three-storey residential building on Beaucourt and Bonneville Streets in the borough of Montreal North.
This incident led to the displacement of 33 people from the building's 10 or 11 apartments. Granger stated that the fire began in one apartment and was brought under control by a force of more than 70 firefighters. Among those evacuated was one individual with reduced mobility. The Red Cross again stepped in to provide support and temporary relocation for all affected residents.
No Injuries Reported Amid Challenging Conditions
Authorities confirmed a positive outcome amidst the chaos: there were no injuries reported in either fire. The successful evacuations and lack of harm to residents and first responders occurred despite the logistical challenges posed by the severe winter weather.
These back-to-back incidents serve as a stark reminder of the heightened fire risks during winter months and the critical, rapid response required from emergency services. The investigations into the precise origins of both fires are ongoing.
