Montreal fire sends smoke across city before building collapses

A two-storey building in downtown Montreal collapsed Monday afternoon after a fire sent flames and thick smoke billowing across the neighbourhood.

Dozens of firefighters battled the blaze, which began around 1 p.m. at the intersection of St-Laurent Blvd. and Milton St. as a large amount of smoke ballooned and degraded air quality in the area.

Video footage shared on social media showed intense flames engulfing the building before the collapse.

By 3 p.m., the structure — believed to be an abandoned building — had given way onto the sidewalk and the flames had subdued.

Police moved to close off surrounding streets. Traffic was also shut down within a perimeter bounded by Ontario, St-Dominique, Prince Arthur and St-Urbain Sts.

One police officer told The Canadian Press the area would remain closed for “at least two or three hours.”

Montreal police referred further questions to the fire department, which remained at the scene Monday afternoon.

The Montreal fire department said around 3.15 p.m. that the fire was under control.

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