Montreal police are actively investigating a pair of arson attacks that erupted in the Rivière-des-Prairies district in the early hours of Sunday, December 21, 2025. The incidents resulted in the complete destruction of seven vehicles, though authorities confirm no other property was damaged and no injuries were reported.
Timeline of the Early Morning Fires
The first emergency call came in at 2:15 a.m., alerting police to a cube truck ablaze on Gaston Maillet Avenue near Joliet Curie Avenue. According to Montreal police spokesperson Caroline Chèvrefils, when officers arrived, the Montreal fire department was already on scene working to extinguish the flames. A preliminary investigation indicates that one or more suspects set the truck on fire and fled before authorities could arrive.
Roughly an hour and fifteen minutes later, at 3:30 a.m., police received a second, more extensive report. This call concerned six vehicles burning in a business parking lot located on Henri-Bourassa Boulevard near Rivière-des-Prairies Boulevard, within the same district as the first fire.
Vehicles Targeted and Evidence Collected
The vehicles destroyed in the second incident included a mix of four cars, a van, and another cube truck. Spokesperson Chèvrefils stated that incendiary materials were found at both scenes, confirming the deliberate nature of the blazes.
As of Sunday, no arrests have been made in connection with the crimes. Specialist investigators from the Montreal police arson unit have taken charge, meticulously analyzing the two protected crime scenes. A key part of their probe involves reviewing footage from surveillance cameras in the vicinity to identify the perpetrators.
Police Probe Possible Connection
While the proximity and timing of the two fires are conspicuous, police have not yet officially linked them. Police spokesperson Florence Stafford noted that while no information currently indicates the events are connected, investigators have not ruled out the possibility. The scenes remained secured for investigation purposes as of 11 a.m. on Sunday.
The Montreal police continue their search for the individual or individuals responsible for this destructive spree, urging anyone with information to come forward.
