News Releases

Quebec Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COWANSVILLE, Quebec, September 13, 2005 - At 5:05 p.m. today, a fire was discovered in the linen storage area of the Cowansville Institution. The fire started in a pile of cloths used by Food Services. Despite laundering, grease residue remains on these cloths, and the intense heat of drying them was apparently the cause of the fire.

Given that the fixtures in this area are non-flammable and the storage shelves are made of metal, damage was limited to the loss of linens (blankets and sheets) stored nearby.

Firefighters from the Town of Cowansville arrived on the scene promptly and the fire was quickly brought under control. No one suffered smoke inhalation or other injury.

The Sûreté du Québec was informed of the incident and took note of the facts.

The local Occupational Safety and Health Committee will conduct an investigation and make any necessary recommendations.

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For further information, media representatives are asked to contact:

Ms Lucette l'Espérance
Acting Deputy Warden
Management Services
(450) 263 3073, extension 2102