Dozens of people are out of their homes after a fire broke out Saturday evening in an apartment building in the Aylmer sector of Gatineau, Que.
Firefighters were called to 166 Rue Principale at around 9:20 p.m., according to a Sunday morning news release from Gatineau fire services.
Crews reported smoke on several floors, complicating the work of firefighters. It took them nearly five hours to bring the blaze under control, the fire department said.
Officials have confirmed that no one was injured. But crews had to evacuate roughly 200 people from the building, some of whom had moved onto their balconies.
According to the City of Gatineau’s property assessment report, the building has 104 units and is owned by Aylmer Arms, a non-profit organization.
It provides affordable housing to people aged 55 and over, according to its website.
Damage estimated at more than $3M
In an emailed statement, the Canadian Red Cross said it helped 40 people affected by the fire, including by providing four of them with personal products, accommodation support and funds for food and clothing.
The fire was reported to be under control by around 2 a.m. Officials estimated the property damage estimated at more than $3 million.