Early morning, on Friday the 26th of April, a significant three-alarm blaze ravaged BK Marché, a popular grocery store located in the Park Extension area. The fire reportedly started following an explosive sound heard by employees working the early shift, leading to a swift evacuation of the premises as smoke began to fill the structure. This incident not only impacted the grocery store but also extended to a mosque situated on the second floor of the same building.
The conflagration prompted immediate action from the emergency services, with approximately 90 firefighters arriving at the scene at the intersection of Jean Talon Street and Bloomfield Avenue shortly after 6 a.m. They battled the fire, which is believed to have originated in the building’s basement.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as residents of other units within the building were evacuated safely. The local community quickly gathered around the scene, showing solidarity and support for the grocery store owner during this distressing time. The store, which employs over 50 individuals, plays a significant role in the neighborhood.
As a precautionary measure and to facilitate emergency operations, Jean Talon Street was temporarily closed to vehicular traffic between L’Acadie Boulevard and Querbes Avenue throughout the morning.
Authorities, including the fire department, are still investigating to determine the exact cause of the fire. The closure of this central thoroughfare and the damage to the building has undoubtedly affected local traffic and businesses, underscoring the broader impact of such urban fires on community life and safety.
