Fire at Beloeil Quebec golf ball factory causes evacuations, highway closure

BELOEIL, Que. – A major fire in a golf ball factory east of Montreal caused the temporary evacuation of a number of homes affecting about 100 residents and the closure of a major highway Saturday afternoon.

The fire began Saturday morning at Distribution Golf FPC Inc., a company that specializes in recycling used golf balls.

City authorities said the evacuations were precautionary.

The residents were allowed to return home after a provincial environmental team determined there was no health risk from the smoke.

Thick, black smoke poured from the factory in Beloeil and reduced visibility to near zero along nearby Highway 20.

Holiday travellers experienced major delays after the highway was closed in both directions for several hours.

About 70 firefighters were the fire. Two were slightly injured.

One of about 20 employees who were in the building was taken to hospital for a minor health problem.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.