1980 Chapais fire
| Date | January 1, 1980 |
|---|---|
| Time | 1:30 a.m. |
| Location | Chapais, Quebec, Canada |
| Cause | Ignition of dried branches and Christmas decorations |
| Deaths | 48 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 50 |
On the night of January 1, 1980, at 1:30 a.m., 48 people were killed when a fire destroyed the Opémiska Community Hall. Fifty others were injured and rushed to the Chibougamau hospital. This fire was the worst to occur in Quebec for more than 40 years and led to a change in provincial fire safety laws.[citation needed] The fire started in wreaths of dried branches and other Christmas decorations, and the ensuing chaos that followed quickly blocked access to the main entrance. Several people managed to escape in time, but the tragedy left deep scars in the community.[1][better source needed]
References
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