News Releases

Quebec Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DONNACONA, QC, December 27, 2004 - Around 9:00 a.m. on December 27, 2004, a supervisory staff member posted on a perimeter tower detected a fire on the outside wall. Initial observations show that the fire was set by one or more inmates.

A crisis centre was opened around 10:30 a.m. to manage operations and closed at 4:15 p.m. when operations returned to normal.

The fire required immediate intervention by the institutional fire brigade, and Donnacona municipal firefighters were called in to provide assistance. Arriving within minutes, they went into action as soon as inmates in the area affected by the fire had been relocated to another wing of the institution. The entire incident was properly handled through the professionalism of the staff on duty.

While only material losses were incurred, a few individuals were slightly inconvenienced by smoke. The institutional medical service provided care for employees and inmates, and no one was required to leave the institution for medical reasons. At the time of the incident, activities were restricted and meals were provided as usual.

Public safety was not compromised at any time during the incident.

The institution is currently open on a normal schedule for the season, and activities are being carried out as scheduled, with a few minor operational changes.

The Sûreté du Québec was advised and an investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances of the incident.

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For further information, media representatives are asked to contact:

Jean-Jacques Michaux
A/Assistant Warden, Management Services
(418) 285-2455, ext. 2110