A Jacques-Cartier Bridge fire in Montreal has forced authorities to close the major crossing during the Wednesday morning rush hour. The closure began at 6:15 a.m. and quickly caused heavy traffic delays on the South Shore.
Firefighters responded to a blaze in a vacant historic building near the bridge. Due to safety risks, officials shut down the bridge as a precaution. The incident has disrupted thousands of commuters entering Montreal.
Fire Triggers Jacques-Cartier Bridge Fire Closure
Montreal fire department operations chief Martin Guilbault said the bridge itself has not suffered damage. However, officials fear the burning structure could collapse. Fire crews placed a truck directly on Jacques-Cartier Bridge to control the flames from above.
Firefighters have worked in defensive mode since Tuesday night. They could not enter the building because of structural instability. As a result, crews focused on containing the fire from outside.
Firefighters Battle Historic Building Blaze
The fire broke out around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday on the first floor of the abandoned structure. At its peak, about 120 firefighters fought the four-alarm blaze. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire. They also do not know whether anyone was inside at the time.
Heavy smoke spread across the area overnight. As conditions worsened, authorities kept the bridge closed to protect both drivers and emergency crews.
Historic Site Linked to Bridge Design
The building dates back to 1910 and has remained vacant for several years. It once housed a soap factory owned by businessman Joseph Barsalou. Later owners included Procter & Gamble and pharmaceutical firm Familex.
Heritage groups note the site’s unusual importance. When planners built the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the property owners refused to sell. As a result, engineers curved the bridge to bypass the factory.
Redevelopment Plans on Hold After Fire
Developers had planned to redevelop the site as part of a major housing project. Records link the property to Bertone Development Corporation. In 2025, the federal government committed funding to build hundreds of rental units on the location.
The fire now puts those plans in doubt. City officials will assess the damage once crews fully extinguish the blaze.
Vacant Building Fires Raise Safety Concerns
This incident adds to a growing pattern in Montreal. Data shows that vacant buildings account for a notable share of serious fires in the city. Fire officials continue to warn about the risks these properties pose to public safety.
For now, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge fire remains under control. However, authorities have not announced a reopening time. Commuters should expect delays until crews declare the area safe.
