Suspected arson targets residential and commercial building in Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
Posted January 12, 2026 6:52 am.
Last Updated January 12, 2026 10:55 am.
An arson fire forced the evacuation of dozens of people in Montreal overnight Sunday into Monday. One person suffering from smoke inhalation was treated by paramedics.
The flames broke out around 3 a.m. Monday in a residential and commercial building on Sherbrooke Street East, near Lyall Street, in the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough.
The three-story building includes shops on the ground floor and apartments on the upper floors.
The blaze prompted a major firefighting operation. The Montreal Fire Department (SIM) triggered a third alarm to combat the fire.
Around 40 people were evacuated. Authorities reported no serious injuries, but noted that one person required medical attention from Urgences-santé for respiratory difficulties.
Initial findings gathered on site by the Montreal Police (SPVM) suggest arson.
“[The firefighters] quickly informed us that incendiary materials had been located, which would suggest a criminal fire,” said Constable Johany Charland, spokesperson for the SPVM.
Witnesses also told police they saw “at least one suspect” leaving the scene by car after the fire started.
The SPVM’s arson unit will lead the investigation. No arrests have been made yet.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
