Mansfield home devasted by fire
Mélissa Gélinas
Published February 12, 2025.
MANSFIELD – A fire broke out overnight on January 23 in a home on Rue
Graveline in Mansfield.
“We were called to the home the evening before, around 6:30 p.m., for reports of smoke inside the house,” said Patrick Bertrand, Mansfield’s fire chief. “Our entire team responded to check the situation, but when we arrived, we found the electrical panel was locked,” he added. Using specialized equipment and thermal cameras, firefighters detected no signs of smoke or heat.
However, according to the information gathered, the electrical system was non-compliant. As a precaution, the tenants were evacuated and relocated. “We had to give the owners an ultimatum,” Bertrand noted.
Around 3:20 a.m., firefighters received another call—the house was in flames. “Certain factors suggest the fire may be suspicious,” Bertrand said. “The case has been turned over to the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) for investigation.”
“This being a suspicious fire doesn’t necessarily mean it was criminal,” explained Marc Tessier, SQ media relations officer.
Investigators have not confirmed whether the electrical system was the cause. “It was an old house,” Bertrand said. “We’re relieved we ordered an evacuation earlier in the evening. Otherwise, this could have been much worse, and lives could have been lost.”
The family, which narrowly escaped disaster, consists of eight people. “They lost everything,” said Josée Graveline, a longtime friend of the victims. “I volunteered to help collect essentials. I bought diapers and hygiene products with the $200 I raised in donations.”
Those wishing to help the family can contact Graveline at 343-369-6406 or via her personal Facebook page. “They’ve received a lot of clothing,” she said. “Food donations would be helpful.” She also expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity.
The investigation is ongoing. “Investigators have been on-site analyzing the scene,” Tessier said. “For now, no official cause has been determined.”
Photo: A home was devasted by fire on Rue Graveline in Mansfield, Jan. 23. (Patrick Bertrand)
