No arrests after vacant building in Montreal set on fire

Montreal firefighters extinguish a fire in the Saint-Michel neighbourhood, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (Cosmo Santamaria/CTV News)

An alleged arson attack took place early Wednesday morning at a vacant commercial building in Montreal’s Saint-Michel neighbourhood.

Montreal police (SPVM) received a 911 call at 12:50 a.m. about the incident on Jean-Talon Street near Pie-IX Boulevard.

“When the police arrived on the scene, the Montreal Fire Department was already getting the fire under control,” said Caroline Chèvrefils, a spokesperson with Montreal police.

The building suffered minor damage, and incendiary materials were found on site.

There were no reported injuries, but two nearby residences were evacuated as a preventative measure.

“According to the first information, a suspect would have smashed the window of a vacant commercial building to set fire inside,” said Chèvrefils. “The suspect fled on foot before the arrival of police.”

The file has been transferred to the Montreal police arson squad.