(Boischatel) A firefighter fell in action on Saturday night following a fire in Boischatel, near Quebec.
This is Martin Tremblay, 43, who had worked in the Boischatel / L’Ange-Gardien fire safety service for many years, the municipality said in a press release on Sunday.
Mr. Tremblay also worked as a volunteer firefighter in Quebec City, as confirmed by the mayor of the capital Bruno Marchand at a press briefing at the end of the morning. He also revealed that the victim was the father of three children.
According to the first information obtained from the Sûreté du Québec, an investigation was opened at the major crimes unit to try to clarify the circumstances that led to the death.
A technician specializing in fire investigation was to be dispatched to the scene Sunday morning to determine the origin of the incident.
The fire broke out around 11:30 p.m., Saturday evening, at 626 rue des Silex in Boischatel, in the MRC de La Côte-de-Beaupré. While firefighters were fighting the blaze, Mr. Tremblay was reportedly seriously injured.
Urgently transported to hospital, the man unfortunately succumbed to his injuries last night, said SQ spokesperson Béatrice Dorsainville.
Messages of support and condolences have multiplied on social networks, especially on the pages dedicated to the brotherhood of firefighters.
The Minister of Public Security, Geneviève Guilbault, reacted on Twitter by pointing out that it is a second firefighter who died on duty in the space of two months. “Pure altruism, which commands infinite respect,” she wrote, offering her support to the relatives and colleagues of the deceased.
The Boischatel municipal council also sent “its most sincere condolences to the family of the firefighter”. We can also read in the press release published at the beginning of the afternoon, Sunday, that the elected officials, including the mayor Benoit Bouchard, accompanied in thoughts the bereaved colleagues of the man who died on duty.
Psychological assistance services are offered to members of the fire safety service who feel the need.
As for the occupants of the residence, they were all evacuated. However, the home is a total loss and organizations have been mobilized to help the victims.