A number of east Gatineau residents were evacuated from their homes Saturday night after an explosion and a major fire at an abandoned factory. Flames broke out at around 6 p.m. at the former Chantecler Windows and Doors factory on Rue Desrosiers, the city's fire department told Radio-Canada. Chief of Operations Stephane Denis said chemicals in the decommissioned plant caught fire, causing the explosion, and that a portion of the building had collapsed. 'Ominous' smoke cloudThe fire department is investigating the blaze, and Denis said the city's police force could take over if arson seemed likely. Chantecler Doors and Windows ceased operations in 2016 and was dissolved on October 17, 2017, according to the Registraire des entreprises du Québec.

Source: CBC News December 03, 2017 01:32 UTC