A business in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough of Montreal was the target of an arson attack overnight. The fire did not cause any injuries, but some people were temporarily evacuated from their homes.
Around 2:20 a.m. Monday, emergency services were notified that a fire was underway in a business located on Jean-Talon Street West, near Victoria Street.
When Montreal police (SPVM) arrived on scene, firefighters had already extinguished the fire, but smoke was still present.
“According to initial information gathered by police officers, suspects allegedly smashed the window of the front door of the business, then sprayed it with accelerant and set it on fire. They allegedly fled on foot before the police arrived,” explained officer Véronique Dubuc, a SPVM spokesperson.
During their operation, firefighters evacuated residents living in the condominiums located above the business, but these people were able to return home shortly after the event.
The fire in the business did not cause any injuries, but the SPVM reports that the damage caused by the sprinklers is significant.
A security perimeter has been set up to protect the crime scene. Investigators from the Montreal police force’s arson unit will be on site Monday morning.
A can of gasoline has already been recovered near the business.
The SPVM reported no arrests in this case early Monday. The investigation is ongoing.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews