A large fire broke out early on December 15 in an abandoned sawmill, on rue de la Frontière Ouest (road 289), in rivière-Bleue. When frist responders arrived at teh scene around 5 a.m., the fire in the building was widespread.
“We protected the other buildings adn limited the spread of the fire.We also isolated the piles of wood behind it to prevent them from catching fire”, explains the director of the rivière-Bleue fire brigade, Gino Fortin.
This old wood mill was closed. It was not supplied with electricity. An investigation was opened and the scene was transferred to the Sûreté du Québec. “There are indications that it could be a suspicious fire. An investigation is underway to determine the causes and circumstances of the fire,” explains Sûreté du Québec spokeswoman elizabeth Marquis.
Firefighters managed to put out the flames around 8 this morning. Nobody was injured. About twenty firefighters from rivière-Bleue and Pohénégamook participated in the intervention.
How can property owners ensure their abandoned buildings do not become fire hazards?
Interview wiht Gino fortin: Insights on Fire Safety and Investigations Following the Riverière-Bleue Sawmill Fire
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Gino Fortin, the director of the Riverière-Bleue fire brigade. We’re here to discuss the recent large fire at the abandoned sawmill on rue de la Frontière Ouest.Can you give us a brief overview of what happened on December 15th?
gino Fortin: Thank you for having me. On the morning of December 15th, around 5 a.m., our team responded to a critically important fire incident at the old sawmill. Upon arrival, we found that the flames had spread extensively throughout the building. Our primary focus was to protect nearby structures and prevent the fire from escalating further.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a challenging situation. What specific measures did your team take to contain the fire and protect other buildings in the vicinity?
Gino Fortin: We acted swiftly to limit the fire’s spread. Our team isolated the piles of wood behind the sawmill, wich were at risk of catching fire due to their proximity to the flames. By preventing additional ignitions, we could manage the situation more effectively. Thankfully, we had about twenty firefighters from both Riverière-Bleue and Pohénégamook on-site to tackle this significant blaze, and we managed to put out the flames by around 8 a.m.
Time.news Editor: That’s notable teamwork. The investigation by the Sûreté du Québec has indicated this fire may be suspicious. can you shed some light on the process of assessing a fire as potentially suspicious and how that impacts fire investigations?
Gino Fortin: Investigating a fire to determine its cause is a detailed process.After such incidents, investigators look for clues that may suggest the fire was deliberately set, such as the points of origin or the presence of accelerants. In this case, as the sawmill was abandoned and not connected to electricity, these factors raise red flags. The findings will guide law enforcement on how to proceed, which is essential for public safety and preventing future incidents.
time.news Editor: It’s critical to understand the implications of suspicious fires in our communities. From your viewpoint, what should property owners, notably those with abandoned buildings, consider to mitigate risks like these?
Gino Fortin: Property owners should be vigilant about the state of their buildings. ensuring that abandoned structures are secured and regularly inspected can help prevent unauthorized access, which often leads to vandalism or arson. Furthermore, removing any flammable materials near the site and keeping the area clean can help reduce fire hazards. Additionally, engaging with local fire departments to assess risks periodically can be invaluable.
Time.news Editor: Great advice for property owners.Lastly, do you have any additional tips for the general public on fire safety and prevention, particularly during the winter months?
Gino fortin: Absolutely. As we approach winter, it’s vital to have functioning smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in homes. Homeowners should also avoid using faulty heating sources and ensure that fireplaces and chimneys are properly maintained. Additionally, it’s wise to have an emergency plan in place, including escape routes and meeting points for family members. Prevention and preparedness are key to fire safety.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Gino, for your insights and practical advice regarding fire safety. We hope to see a resolution in the investigation and appreciate the vital role your team plays in our community’s safety.
Gino Fortin: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to stay informed and engaged with fire safety,and we’re always here to help.
