Historic Quebec City building burns down

A massive blaze tore through one of Canada's landmarks in Quebec City Friday evening, leaving the provincial capital's 124-year-old historic armoury in ruins.

Witnesses told the Globe and Mail that the fire, followed by an explosion, broke out around 9:30 p.m. ET at the building, located just outside the walls of the Old City, overlooking the Plains of Abraham.

No one was in the building at the time and there were no reports of injuries.

Crowds gathered to watch as firefighters battled the blaze, which could be seen from many parts of the city.

At least eight fire trucks and dozens of firefighters were on scene.

Most of the armoury, which was built in 1884, collapsed, leaving only a brick wall and two towers standing. The building was under renovation.

The armoury was home to Les Voltigeurs, a Canadian Forces reserve unit and the oldest French infantry regiment in the country.

The structure housed First and Second World War memorabilia and Louis Riel artifacts. Some material was saved.