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50-Year-Old Woman Dies After Homeless Encampment Fire in Montreal North
A passerby called 911 at 4:50 a.m., and arson investigators are examining the cause after firefighters found the blaze already out.
A 50-year woman died following a fire at a homeless encampment in Montreal-North on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Police received a 911 call around 5 a.m. near Charleroi Street and Lacordaire Boulevard; she was transported to hospital in critical condition where she was pronounced dead.
SPVM spokesperson Jeanne Drouin confirmed firefighters arrived after the blaze was extinguished. Arson investigators are examining the scene to determine the cause of the fire, which remains unknown.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada called the death a 'tragic reminder' of the homelessness crisis. She stated, "It is not normal to see Montrealers dying on our streets," emphasizing inaction's toll on societal solidarity.
Martinez Ferrada announced she will unveil a 'winter warmth plan' on Thursday to assist those experiencing homelessness during the cold season. She intends to request Quebec government implementation.
Quebec premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon pledged to cut the number of homeless people in half within four years and invest one billion dollars to achieve this goal. The mayor noted his commitment to swift action on homelessness.