Suspected arson attack on vacant building in Saint-Michel
Posted March 18, 2026 8:31 am.
Last Updated March 18, 2026 3:24 pm.
A vacant commercial building was set ablaze early on Wednesday morning in Montreal’s Saint-Michel neighbourhood.
Calls to 911 alerted Montreal police (SPVM) shortly before 1 a.m. to a fire in a building located on Jean-Talon Street East, near Pie-IX Boulevard.
When police arrived on the scene, firefighters from the Montreal Fire Department (SIM) were already in the process of controlling the situation.
Officials say incendiary materials were found at the scene.
No injuries were reported, and the building sustained minor damage. Two nearby residences were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
According to initial information, a suspect smashed a window of the commercial premises, set it on fire, and quickly fled on foot before police arrived.
No arrests have been made. Witnesses were interviewed by police officers.
The investigation is ongoing, and the case has been transferred to the Montreal police arson squad.
