The Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (SIM) reported that the overall count of fires in the city remained unchanged throughout 2025, while incidents occurring outside of buildings showed a modest increase. The rise in non‑structure fires has been connected to encampments where people experiencing homelessness set up temporary shelters.
Richard Liebmann, representing the fire service, noted that the stability in total fire incidents reflects the effectiveness of ongoing prevention measures within residential and commercial properties. At the same time, the slight uptick in outdoor blazes highlights a growing challenge linked to the city's homeless population and the locations where they reside.
SIM monitors fire activity across the entire metropolitan area and compiles an annual summary that outlines trends and patterns observed over the year. The 2025 report underscores that while traditional fire risks within buildings have not escalated, the agency is paying closer attention to fires that originate in open spaces, such as those found in makeshift camps.
The agency attributes the increase in non‑building fires to the use of open flames for heating and cooking within these encampments. These practices can inadvertently lead to accidental ignitions, posing safety concerns for both the individuals involved and surrounding neighborhoods. The fire service continues to work with municipal partners to address the underlying issues that contribute to these incidents.
By tracking these developments, SIM aims to inform city officials and the public about emerging fire hazards. The agency’s annual data collection provides a basis for allocating resources, shaping fire safety education, and guiding interventions aimed at reducing fire risk in vulnerable settings.
The 2025 fire summary serves as a reminder that while the city’s overall fire burden remains stable, attention to non‑structure fire prevention, especially in areas associated with homelessness, remains a priority for Montreal's fire safety strategy.