5-alarm fire forces evacuation of Montreal home for women at risk
About 150 Montreal firefighters put out a blaze at a home for women at risk in the Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie borough.
The fire broke out shortly before 9 a.m. at the Maison Marguerite, a non-profit organization that offers permanent and temporary housing for women at risk.
The building on the corner of de Bellchasse and Lanaudiere streets was under renovation, and 37 women are now under the care of the Red Cross.
One woman's first instinct was to rescue her cat, Charlie.
"I panicked at first because I couldn't find him, but thankfully, got him out," said Mika Merisier.
One firefighter was taken to the hospital after injuring his ankle.
Some residents woke up to the blaring fire alarm.
"Employees woke, everyone up immediately, and everyone got out quickly," said resident Asima Benabdellah.
The fire spread to the second storey by mid-morning and then to the roof.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze that started on the first floor.
The building is now uninhabitable, according to the fire department.
Maison Marguerite has been helping women for more than 45 years.
"They're very kind, they give advice [and] they help us a lot," said Merisier.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Will jurors believe Michael Cohen? Defense keys on witness' credibility at Trump's hush money trial
With prosecutors' hush money case against Donald Trump barreling toward its end, their star witness will be back in the hot seat Thursday as defense lawyers try to chip away at Michael Cohen's crucial testimony implicating the former president.
DEVELOPING Latest updates on the major wildfires currently burning in Canada
Thousands of Canadians have been displaced as fires burn in Alberta, B.C. and Manitoba. Here are the latest updates.
There's a new workers' rights treaty in Canada, but will it actually protect you?
Although a global workers' treaty has been in force in Canada since January, an employment lawyer believes it won't do anything more to protect employees from violence and harassment.
Protecting your car from the growing risk of keyless vehicle thefts
Auto technology has evolved and many newer cars use wireless key fobs and push-button starters instead of traditional metal keys. But that technology also makes things easier for thieves.
Slovak prime minister in serious but stable condition after assassination attempt
Slovak politicians have called for calm in the Central European country after Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times by a would-be assassin on Wednesday, a rare instance of political violence that came as a shock despite deep political polarization.
U.S. intelligence officials wanted to meet with Transport Canada's UFO 'lead'
Canada's transportation department had a UFO 'lead' who tried to 'quell' media interest and planned to meet with U.S. intelligence officials.
OPINION If you think you can't focus for long, you're right: Sandee LaMotte
Regaining your focus requires you to be mindful of how you are using technology -- a daunting task if you consider the average American spends at least 10 hours a day on screens.
NEW Victoria Day travel plans? Here are some tips for a smooth trip
May 20 is Victoria Day. If you're going across the border this long weekend, follow these tips for a smoother trip.
Chief says grave search at B.C. residential school brings things 'full circle'
Chief Robert Michell says relief isn't the right word to describe his reaction as the search begins for unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school he attended in northern British Columbia.