12-08-2025
Sud-Ouest man honoured for rescuing neighbours from apartment fire
Sebastien Blais was recognized by the Sud-Ouest borough for helping residents escape a June 29 blaze before firefighters arrived.
A man who helped rescue neighbours from a fire in the Sud-Ouest borough on June 29 was honoured Monday evening.
Sebastien Blais signed the borough's golden book at Sud-Ouest borough hall for his bravery.
Last week, Blais also received an award from MNA Guillaume Cliche-Rivard.
More than 100 Montreal firefighters battled the four-alarm blaze at a three-storey residential building at Hadley and Cardinal streets.
Blais said he smelled smoke earlier that evening and suspected a fire on his block. He ran down the street and saw smoke coming from the apartment building.
With emergency services not yet on scene, Blais knocked on doors to warn residents. Several people, including a sleeping couple, were able to get out because of his warning.
'I have four children at home, so helping others and teaching my kids the right example is something I emphasize,' he said. 'When it happened, I didn't have time to think. I just followed my instincts and took action. I did what I had to do.'
No one was injured. The Red Cross and the Office municipal d'habitation assisted families forced from their homes.
With files from CTV News' Rachel Lau.
