Public inquiry to be held over fire that killed 32 in L'Isle Verte

A tragic fire that took 32 lives in at a seniors’ residence in L’Isle Verte last January will be examined in a public inquiry, it was announced Tuesday.

Quebec Chief Coroner Denis Marsolais ordered the inquiry at the request of Public Security Minister Lise Theriault as well as the MNA for the Rivière du Loup-Témiscouata area, Jean D’Amour.

Roch Bernier, co-owner of the 52-unit residence, also asked for an inquiry last week in a statement issued by his lawyer Guy Bertrand.

The inquiry will attempt to shed light on the causes and circumstances of the fatal blaze that took place on the night of January 23 to 24 and possibly come up with recommendations to prevent any such future disasters.

Coroner and Fire Investigation Commissioner Cyrille Delage will preside over the hearings.

Dates and locations for the hearings have yet to be announced.

Those with questions concerning the inquiry as invited to ask them at 1-866-312-7051.

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  A payloader prepares to move in as flames flare up at the scene of a fatal fire which destroyed a seniors residence in L'Isle-Verte, Que., Thursday, January 23, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot