MONTREAL — A significant fire broke out at a scrapyard in Montreal's east end early in the morning, prompting immediate action from local authorities. The blaze originated at an outdoor vehicle-recycling plant near Highway 40, raising concerns over air quality in the surrounding areas. In response to the fire, Montreal's public health department issued an air quality alert, highlighting the potential health risks associated with the smoke and particulates released into the air.

Anik Vaillancourt, a representative from the city's fire department, reported that a substantial firefighting response was mobilized to control the situation. A total of 24 fire trucks and 55 firefighters were dispatched to combat the flames. Despite their efforts, the fire was still actively burning by 11 a.m., indicating the scale of the incident and the challenges faced by the emergency response team.

The Quebec Environment Department investigated the cause of the fire and suggested that a lithium battery may have sparked the flames, which then spread rapidly to piles of scrap metal on the site. While authorities managed to contain the fire to the scrapyard itself, it generated thick clouds of black smoke that spread across Montreal and the Montérégie area. The acrid smell of the smoke raised alarm among residents, particularly those with respiratory issues or other health vulnerabilities.

As a precautionary measure, the department's emergency team implemented preventive lockdowns on all health facilities in the region. This decision was made to ensure the safety of patients and staff in light of the deteriorating air quality conditions. According to readings from the IQAir website, the air quality near Highway 40 in Montreal was classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, emphasizing the need for caution during this incident.

The fire at the scrapyard marks a critical event for the local community, raising awareness regarding the hazards associated with recycling operations, particularly concerning the risks posed by lithium batteries. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the public as firefighting efforts proceed and air quality assessments are conducted.