Fire – Lions Chalet

FIRE AT CAMP PAPILLON: UPDATES AND THANKS

Following the fire that occurred at Camp Papillon during the night of August 4 to 5, we wish to share an update on the situation. We confirm that everyone is safe and that no one was injured. The fire was quickly brought under control and contained to a single building. The Le Lion chalet was completely destroyed, but the other camp facilities were not damaged.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters from the municipalities of Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, Saint-Côme, Sainte-Béatrix, Saint-Jean-de-Matha, and Saint-Félix-de-Valois. Their exceptional work and their swift, professional, and effective intervention helped contain the fire and limit its spread.

We have a special thought for the campers who were present that night. Although they were evacuated safely, they went through a difficult experience. Our teams mobilized to surround them with care, reassure them, and accompany them so they could feel safe and supported.

We sincerely thank all the employees who were on site that night for their calm and responsiveness. We also wish to highlight three special contributions:

💙 Thierry Henry, our night watchman, for his professionalism, composure, and exemplary efficiency. His swift and well-managed intervention ensured a safe evacuation.

💙 Renaud Coutu, Laurie Charest, and Maëlle Germier, our coordinators, whose quick mobilization, composure, and efficiency greatly contributed to ensuring everyone’s safety.

💙 Jean Deblois, for his outstanding coordination work with emergency services. His exceptional knowledge of Camp Papillon allowed him to guide and inform responders with precision, enabling a fast and safe intervention. Thank you, Jean, for your composure, expertise, and unwavering commitment to everyone’s safety.

Finally, thank you to our community for the support, messages, and warm thoughts we have received since this event. We have been deeply moved by this wave of love and solidarity. Every gesture of encouragement is a reminder of the strength of the bonds that unite us.

Camp Papillon has been strong and resilient since 1938. Over its 87 years of existence, it has faced challenges with strength and solidarity. True to its mission, it will continue to offer adapted, safe, and unforgettable experiences to people with disabilities.

Together, we carry our mission forward.

— The Camp Papillon and Fondation Papillon Team