Major fire in Montreal, Canada, destroys several businesses

July 24, 2007 Fire ravaged several businesses in Montreal, Canada on Monday evening, despite the efforts of over 150 firefighters to extinguish the flames. The alert reached the so-called "five-alarm" stage, drawing in many firefighters, and it took over twelve hours to extinguish the fire.

The fire is suspected to have broken out around 7:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) at "Fruits & Passion," a personal care and ambiance products shop, on Saint-Denis street south of Rachel street. Later it spread to the Continental bistro and the L'Barouf bar. The Continental's roof has collapsed due to the fire-induced damage.

Ten firefighters suffered minor injuries, including at least four suffering from a heat stroke, whose condition is said to be stable.

Saint-Denis street was closed between Marie-Anne and Duluth streets during the fire itself, and again the next morning for the demolition of 2nd and 3rd stories.