Montreal police arson investigators were called to two separate incidents at bars in the city's east end early Thursday morning, with the fires occurring less than 90 minutes apart. Authorities are treating both as suspected arsons.
First Fire on Maurice-Duplessis Boulevard
The initial emergency call came in at approximately 4 a.m. on December 4, 2025. The fire was set on the terrace of a bar located on Maurice-Duplessis Blvd. near 5th Ave. in the borough of Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles. Montreal firefighters responded swiftly and managed to bring the flames under control quickly.
Despite the rapid response, the establishment sustained damage to its terrace and the front of the building. Police reported that no flammable materials were found at this first scene. However, due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire, the case was immediately handed over to the police arson squad for a full investigation.
Second Blaze in St-Léonard
Roughly an hour and a half later, at about 5:25 a.m., a second 911 call reported another fire. This incident involved a small fire at the base of a fence located behind a bar on Langelier Blvd. near Lavoisier Blvd. in the borough of St-Léonard.
Fire crews again extinguished the flames promptly. In a key difference from the first fire, investigators did find flammable materials at this second scene, further heightening suspicions of intentional acts.
Investigation Underway, No Injuries Reported
Montreal police have confirmed that there were no injuries reported in either incident. A crucial part of the ongoing investigation will involve a review of surveillance camera footage from both neighbourhoods. Authorities hope these recordings can help identify potential suspects or provide details on how the fires were started.
The close timing and similar nature of the two events, targeting bars in adjacent eastern boroughs, have led investigators to explore possible connections. The arson squad is working to determine the causes and whether the incidents are linked.
