Quebec fire home search resumes in L'Isle Verte

Rescuers have been working in difficult conditions

The search has resumed for 24 people still missing after a deadly fire swept through their retirement home in the Canadian province of Quebec.

Eight people are now confirmed dead after the blaze in L'Isle Verte, north-east of Quebec City, on Thursday.

A police spokesman said new equipment - designed mainly for de-icing ships - was being brought in as temperatures hovered around -10C (14F).

Police are examining the theory the fire was started by a cigarette.

However, spokesman Lt Guy Lapointe told a news conference on Saturday that it was one possibility among many.

Two of the victims have been formally identified and their names will be released later on Saturday, police said.

Rescuers suspended their search overnight as temperatures fell as low as -20C.

The ruins of the Residence du Havre have collapsed and are frozen over with a thick layer of ice from fire hoses.

"The conditions are very, very difficult," Lt Lapointe said. "Our people are exhausted."

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