• A warehouse was completely engulfed in flames on Sunday after a Montreal-area fire broke out.
• The four-alarm blaze was met with a quick response from Montreal firefighters.
• The SPVM was also on the scene in Saint-Laurent to re-direct traffic as smoke threatened the visibility of drivers in the area.
• Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.

A huge Montreal-area fire engulfed a warehouse in the Ville Saint-Laurent borough Sunday night. Montreal firefighters battled the blaze throughout the evening and the SPVM blocked off traffic on blvd Alexis-Nihon from rue Saint-Louis until Highway 40. The fire was at the corner of rues Authier and Bourdon, near rue Ward. There are unconfirmed reports that the SPVM directed people away from the immediate area because the smoke was potentially toxic.

Apparently, the warehouse housed a plastic factory. There are no reports of injuries. Firefighters responded quickly to ensure the blaze didn't spread to the surrounding residential neighbourhood.

The scene was dramatic as smoke billowed as far as blvd Cote-Vertu when driving down Highway 40 Ouest. Boulevard Alexis-Nihon was a parking lot as SPVM officers blocked access to the small industrial sector where firefighters were battling the blaze. 

Power to the surrounding neighbourhood was completely cut off and drivers had to be extra careful, as the smoke created noticeable visibility problems. 

Reports indicate that the building was unoccupied. Eighty firefighters responded to the alarm, which came in at around 6 p.m. Sunday evening.

An SPVM spokesperson tells MTL Blog that the police were called in to assist with traffic management on boul. Alexis-Nihon. 

The city cut off the power in the neighbourhood, much of it residential housing. 

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According to reports, the smoke could potentially be toxic. The Montreal fire department is advising people to avoid the area while they get the situation under control. 

READ ALSO: Snowfall Warning Issued As Montreal Is To Be Hit With Another 15cm Of Snow Today

Despite that, there were many local residents in their pyjamas taking photos and videos. 

VSL Fire

Traffic was at a standstill on blvd Alexis-Nihon. Emergency vehicles blocked entire streets and drivers had to double back to get out of the area, causing some confusion. 

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There is still no word as to what caused the fire. 

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Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.