A fire broke out early this morning at an ArcelorMittal steel factory located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, specifically in the city of Contrecoeur. This incident occurred around 4 a.m. when a blaze ignited among scrapped vehicles situated outside the plant. The factory is positioned approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Montreal, along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River.

According to a spokesperson from the city, there were no reported injuries stemming from the fire, which was brought under control by late morning. However, the cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time. Initial assessments of air quality conducted by the Quebec Environment Department have indicated that the smoke generated from the flames does not exhibit any dangerous toxicity, alleviating initial concerns regarding public health.

The plume of smoke released from the fire traveled toward nearby municipalities bordering the Richelieu River, although the city confirmed that no evacuations were necessary. By late morning, the extent of the smoke had almost been extinguished, reflecting effective firefighting efforts.

In total, 40 firefighters were deployed to manage the situation. They are working rigorously, and officials are optimistic that the fire will be completely extinguished by the late afternoon. The coordinated effort of firefighting personnel reflects the city's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents and the environment.

This incident at the ArcelorMittal facility has raised awareness about fire safety protocols, particularly concerning stored materials such as vehicles, which can pose unique risks when not properly managed. The quick response of emergency services has played a crucial role in containing the fire and minimizing its impact on the surrounding areas.

The situation is being monitored closely, as authorities evaluate any further implications related to the chemical composition of the smoke and its potential effects on local air quality. As the situation develops, more information will be made available to the public.

The Canadian Press has reported these developments as part of their ongoing coverage of events affecting communities in Quebec and beyond.