The City of Montreal has revoked the operating permit of Fer et Métaux américains inc. (AIM) after a fire broke out at the facility Thursday morning. The blaze produced a massive plume of smoke, but city officials stated the permit revocation is based on the company’s refusal to comply with provincial environmental standards.
Environmental Violations and Toxic Contaminants
The city’s Environment Department revealed that AIM has consistently ignored repeated requests to bring its operations up to standard. Measurements at the property line have shown recurring exceedances of particles, metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
PCBs are synthetic chemicals known to be dangerous to both human health and the environment. In November 2025, concentrations of PCBs were measured at more than 90 times the permitted limit. Arsenic was detected in the air near the site and traced back to the company.
Fire Response and Public Health Warnings
The fire, which occurred Thursday morning, required the deployment of 24 trucks and 55 firefighters. Anik Vaillancourt, a section chief with the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (SIM), stated that even as the scene was impressive, the situation remained under control. No injuries were reported.
Urgence-Environnement suggested the fire may have been caused by a battery that ignited and spread into a pile of scrap metal, though the SIM has not yet confirmed this cause. Santé Montréal issued a caution to the public, specifically warning pregnant women, children aged 0 to 5, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.
Environment Minister Pascale Déry and Premier Christine Fréchette both offered reassurance via public statements, indicating that the risks of contaminant emissions were contained.
A History of Controversy
AIM operates numerous facilities across Eastern Canada and has a documented history of legal and safety issues. In New Brunswick, the province revoked the permit for a sorting center in Saint-Jean following a 2023 fire.
The company has also faced severe safety scrutiny. In Saint-Jean, two fatal workplace accidents occurred within a few months of each other. AIM leader Herbert Black drew criticism at the time, stating, “I am not God,” while denying responsibility for the deaths. Further fatalities were reported at a recycling center in Laval in 2025.
Beyond safety and fire risks, the company’s permit in Moncton was not renewed by the government, and it was previously fined for excessive noise in Matane.
What Happens Next
AIM has been granted a 30-day window to comply with the city’s requirements. The company may continue its activities during this period, but if it fails to meet the standards, it could be forced to cease all operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the City of Montreal revoke AIM’s permit?
The permit was revoked because the company refused to comply with provincial environmental standards, specifically regarding recurring exceedances of metals, particles, and PCBs.
What was the suspected cause of the Thursday morning fire?
According to Urgence-Environnement, the fire was likely caused by a battery that spread to a pile of scrap metal, though the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (SIM) has not confirmed this.
Does the company have to stop operating immediately?
No. The company has 30 days to comply with the city’s demands; if it does not, it will then be required to stop its operations.
Do you believe a 30-day grace period is sufficient for a company with a history of environmental non-compliance?
