Deadly nursing home blaze in Quebec puts fire safety under the microscope
Posted Jan 24, 2014 1:49 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Operators of seniors lodges and other nursing and long term care facilities across the country are reviewing fire prevention measures, following the tragedy in Quebec.
A spokesperson for Alberta Municipal Affairs says since 1990, fire suppression sprinkler systems have been a mandatory requirement for new building projects.
Cam Traynor says most of the older senior lodges in the province underwent major upgrades to their mechanical systems back in the mid 90’s.
Traynor tells 660News this year, the province has set aside $31 Million-dollars to help cover the cost of other upgrades that might be required.
Municipal Affairs says safety remains one of their top priorities and building and fire codes are reviewed on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, in Quecec, as investigators try to locate more victims of the fire, witnesses are telling horrific tales of seeing people die in the blaze.
Pascal Fillion says he saw someone try to use a ladder to rescue a man screaming and crying out for help from a third-floor balcony.
The man was on fire as he fell to the ground.
Three teams are working in rotation due to freezing temperatures in L’Iles-Verte.
They’re using steam to melt the ice and preserve bodies.
The official death toll is now at eight, with about 30 people listed as missing.
(With files from 660News and the Canadian Press)
