Suspect sought after suspicious fire at empty Montreal building
Posted July 31, 2026 7:53 am.
Last Updated July 31, 2026 8:27 am.
Montreal police are investigating a suspicious fire at an unoccupied residential and commercial building in the city’s Villeray—Saint-Michel—Parc-Extension borough.
Police received several 911 calls around 2 a.m. Friday about a fire on Jean-Talon Street near Pie-IX Boulevard.
Officers arrived to find Montreal firefighters already on scene working to control the flames. Several nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.
Police say the building sustained minor damage and no injuries were reported.
A suspect was reportedly seen at the scene but fled before police arrived.
The SPVM’s arson squad has taken over the investigation. A security perimeter was established while investigators examined the scene and worked to preserve evidence.
Police say they have interviewed witnesses and are looking for surveillance footage. No arrests have been made.
