Montreal authorities are currently looking into a suspected case of arson following a minor fire that occurred early Saturday at a mixed commercial and residential building in the LaSalle neighborhood.
The incident took place at around 4:50 a.m. on Dollard Avenue close to Lithuania Street, where flames were spotted on a terrace of the structure.
Upon receiving the emergency call, police officers reached the scene just before firefighters from Montreal arrived and confirmed the presence of the fire.
Evidence of incendiary materials was discovered at the site, leading authorities to believe that the fire was intentionally set.
Jeanne Drouin, a spokesperson for the Montreal Police Service, stated, “Some indications point towards the fire being deliberately started.”
Firefighters swiftly brought the situation under control, minimizing damage to the building’s commercial section, which was described as minor, and ensuring there were no reported injuries.
The area was cordoned off by law enforcement on Saturday morning to facilitate a thorough investigation later in the day. The case has been handed over to the Montreal Police Service’s arson unit, which will be responsible for uncovering the precise cause and particulars surrounding the fire.
Authorities are also in the process of examining nearby surveillance cameras for any potential leads. As of now, no arrests have been made and the investigation remains active.
