Man dies after fire in dwelling without a smoke alarm

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QUÉBEC — A 66-year-old man lost his life in a fire at a residence in Limoilou on Sunday.

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Firefighters responded around 12:30 p.m. to reports of smoke at François-1er Ave. Upon arrival, they called for more units because of the risk of the fire spreading.

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About 30 firefighters battled the blaze and nearby homes were evacuated.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, said David Poitras, a spokesperson for Quebec City police.

“There was no smoke alarm inside the apartment,” Poitras said.

The fire was brought under control at 12:47 p.m. and flames did not spread to the other dwellings in the building, which has 12 units, according to firefighters.

“Since this is a fatal fire, there will be a joint investigation between the fire department, Quebec City police investigators and the coroner to determine the causes and circumstances related to the death and the fire,” Poitras said.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Poitras said evacuees could return to their homes and no one needed assistance by the Red Cross.