Photos: Five-alarm fire destroys Montreal heritage building

27 May 2023

Montreal Gazette

The Monastère du Bon-Pasteur building caught fire Thursday afternoon. More than 18 hours later, the blaze was still out of control.

Published May 26, 2023 • Last updated 11 hours ago • < 1 minute read

Overhead view of firefighters battling a blaze at a former monastery in Montreal

Firefighters combat a major blaze at the former Monastère du Bon-Pasteur in Montreal on May 25, 2023. Photo by Isabelle Douailly-Backman

A fire broke out at about 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the nearly 200-year-old Monastère du Bon-Pasteur building on Sherbrooke St. E., and it took firefighters more than 18 hours to bring the blaze under control.

The heritage building was constructed in 1847. It housed a seniors’ residence, a housing co-operative, a daycare and condos.

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Firefighters combat the major blaze at the former Monastère du Bon-Pasteur on May 26, 2023. Photo by Isabelle Douailly-Backman Firefighters at the end of a ladder truck combat a blaze on the roof of an old building

Firefighters at the end of a ladder truck combat a blaze on the roof of an old building

Firefighters battle a blaze at the former Monastère du Bon-Pasteur on May 26, 2023. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette Firefighters at the end of a ladder truck spray the roof of a burning building

Firefighters at the end of a ladder truck spray the roof of a burning building

The fire chief explained the fire was difficult to reach because it started in the roof’s structure. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette Firefighters

Thirty-nine people had to leave the Monastère du Bon-Pasteur building because of the blaze. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette A woman talks to a police officer on the sidewalk as firefighters combat a blaze in the background

A woman talks to a police officer on the sidewalk as firefighters combat a blaze in the background

A woman talks with a police officer outside the Monastère du Bon-Pasteur building on May 26, 2023. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette Firefighters at the end of a ladder truck spray the roof of a burning building

The Monastère du Bon-Pasteur building’s tower is hosed. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette Firefighters at the end of a ladder truck combat a blaze on the roof of an old building

Firefighters battle a blaze at the former Monastère du Bon-Pasteur on May 26, 2023. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette Firefighters at the end of a ladder truck combat a blaze on the roof of an old building

A firefighter kicks on the Monastère du Bon-Pasteur building’s roof. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette Firefighters at the end of a ladder truck spray the roof of a burning building

Firefighters battle a blaze at the former Monastère du Bon-Pasteur on May 26, 2023. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette

Firefighters at the site of the blaze at the former Monastère du Bon-Pasteur. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette Firefighters battles a fire at a 19th century building in downtown Montreal as smoke billows

Firefighters battles a fire at a 19th century building in downtown Montreal as smoke billows

Firefighters combat the major blaze at the former Monastère du Bon-Pasteur on May 26, 2023. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette Firefighters behind caution tape on the street

Firefighters behind caution tape on the street

Firefighters on Sherbrooke St. E. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette Firefighters at the end of a ladder truck combat a blaze on the roof of an old building

Firefighters battle a blaze at the former Monastère du Bon-Pasteur on May 26, 2023. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette Firefighters behind caution tape on the street

Firefighters on Sherbrooke St. E. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette Firefighters at the end of a ladder truck combat a blaze on the roof of an old building

A firefighter kicks on the Monastère du Bon-Pasteur building’s roof. Photo by John Kenney /Montreal Gazette Firefighters battle a blaze at the former Monastère du Bon-Pasteur in Montreal on May 26, 2023.

Firefighters battle a blaze at the former Monastère du Bon-Pasteur in Montreal on May 26, 2023.

'It’s horrible. It’s our home': Fire rages at Sherbrooke St. heritage building None

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