Early-morning blaze forces 100 out of downtown highrise

About 100 residents were forced out into the deep chill early Sunday morning when fire slammed a high-rise at Lincoln and St. Mathieu.

About 80 firefighters battled the three alarm fire for about an hour.

Five people were treated for minor injures in the blaze which broke out at about 5:40 a.m. at 2121 St. Mathieu, in the heart of one of Montreal's most densely-populated areas.

The fire was concentrated on the fourth floor of the building and was caused by what the fire department describes as a "smoking apparatus," which could mean a lighter or matches.

The residents were eventually permitted to return to their homes.