A 38-year-old man is in police custody following a suspected arson at an unoccupied building in downtown Montreal early Friday morning. The incident prompted a swift response from emergency services and led to a street closure as the investigation unfolds.
Fire Erupts on St-Marc Street
The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) received multiple 911 calls at approximately 5 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026. The calls reported a fire had started in a building located on St-Marc Street, near the bustling intersection of Ste-Catherine Street West. The structure was confirmed to be unoccupied at the time.
Montreal firefighters arrived promptly on the scene and were able to bring the flames under control quickly. Their efficient action prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent properties. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Witness Account Leads to Arrest
According to police, witnesses at the scene reported seeing a man exiting the building shortly after the fire broke out. This description provided crucial information for responding officers.
Based on the witness statements, a man was located and arrested near the scene of the fire. He was taken into custody for questioning by arson investigators. Police have classified the event as an apparent arson and are treating the investigation accordingly.
Ongoing Investigation and Street Closure
The investigation into the cause and circumstances of the fire remains active. As a result, St-Marc Street is closed at Ste-Catherine Street while police and fire officials examine the scene. The closure is expected to remain in effect for several hours as evidence is collected.
The swift arrest highlights the coordinated effort between Montreal's fire department and police service in responding to and investigating potential criminal incidents. Authorities have not released the identity of the arrested individual, pending further investigation and potential charges.
