[EN VIDÉO] A used vehicle yard near Wendake was targeted for arson

The yard of the Goulet garage in the Saint-Emile district near Wentag fell victim to an arson attack late Sunday, sending a plume of smoke billowing for kilometers.

In a press release, the Quebec City Police Service (SPVQ) confirmed the criminal origin of the fire and arrested a 16-year-old boy.

“At the same time the firemen controlled the fire, the police […] It was confirmed by the Fire Commissioner that human activity was the cause of the fire,” SPVQ spokesperson David Poitras said. The investigation into whether anyone else was involved in the fire is ongoing.

In a press release, the SPVQ noted that “all vehicles no longer contain tires, batteries or flammable liquids.” Nearly 500 vehicles were piled up in the yard.

About thirty firefighters from the Quebec Fire Protection Service (SPCIQ), in addition to vehicles from Hydro-Québec and Energir, arrived at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. The fire was brought under control shortly before 8 p.m.

Traffic in the area was affected as the SPVQ security perimeter wall was erected.

According to SPCIQ spokesperson Alexandre Lajoie, mainly the carcasses of vehicles were set on fire. Explosions continued to be heard: these were the airbag tanks of the vehicles.

Firefighters were still battling the blaze after 5pm on Sunday.

Photo by Jean-Philippe Guilbault

A huge plume of smoke was seen for several kilometers on Sunday evening.

Photo by Mark Valliers

On its Facebook page, Goulet Auto Parts noted the sale. Business was officially scheduled to close on the 1st^R Next December.

Société de deloppement Wendat is now the owner of the land where the fire occurred, according to Quebec City’s assessed share.

With LQMI Agency