history & fire firegeezer on 05 Apr 2008 08:20 am
Canadian Landmark Burns
ONE OF CANADA’S MOST TREASURED LANDMARKS, THE QUEBEC CITY ARMORY BURNED DOWN FRIDAY NIGHT.
AP/Candadian Press photo
The postcard building situated on the historic Plains of Abraham was still in military service as the home of an army reserve unit. But the architecturally-significant structure has long been a tourist attraction as well and was being renovated to accommodate activities during this year’s festivities marking Canada’s Quebec City’s 400th birthday.
photo by Zabelle
The fire, which began around 9:30 pm, is believed to have started in the main hall which is world renowned for its massive, decorative wooden ceiling, the largest in Canada.
Within an hour large parts of the building began collapsing. The 100+ firefighters on the job had to resort to an outside defensive attack. Most of the structure that was built in 1884 has come down by daybreak, leaving only part of one wall and the two landmark conical towers.
Canadian Press / Allard photo
An army spokesman confirmed that no military activities were taking place inside the building last night. He added that firefighters were doing their best to save the regimental museum at the east end of the building and the officers’ mess hall at the western end. Many of the military artifacts that were displayed in the hall may have been saved by firefighters before they had to retreat. It is not yet known if some of the displays had already been temporarily removed for the renovation program.
Canadian Press / Allard photo
Update:
The mayor of Quebec has called for the armory hall to be rebuilt, as it is a major piece of the history of Canada.
The archives and many displays were involved in the fire, but firefighters managed to remove many of the old documents and military displays before they were pulled out of the building. It will not be known until later how many of the historic artifacts have been lost to the fire.
As dawn arrived, only the walls of the historic
drill hall and military museum were left.
(Canadian Press / Allard photo)
The Toronto Globe and Mail has a good early REPORT.
on 24 Apr 2008 at 10:54 am 1.George J. P. Dabbene said …
The caption under your 1st photo has an error. This is the 400th birthday of Quebec City - the oldest in Canada. This year marks the 141st birthday for our country.