Montreal police are treating a fire that erupted at a Verdun Street restaurant near Second Avenue as a criminal arson. The blaze broke out at approximately 2:30 a.m. on September 20, 2026, prompting an immediate response from both the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) and the Montreal Fire Department.
A citizen who was in the vicinity reported the fire to authorities, leading officers to the scene shortly after the alarm was raised. Upon arrival, police officers used a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames while fire crews worked to contain the incident. The combined efforts of law enforcement and firefighters prevented the fire from spreading beyond the premises.
The restaurant, located in the Verdun borough of Montreal, sustained damage as a result of the arson attack. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, and police have opened a criminal probe to identify the individual or individuals responsible. The SPVM has indicated that the investigation will involve gathering evidence from the scene and interviewing witnesses, including the citizen who reported the incident.
The Montreal Fire Department confirmed that its personnel responded promptly to the emergency call and assisted in extinguishing the fire. Their rapid intervention helped limit the extent of the damage and ensured that no injuries were reported. The department also conducted a safety assessment of the surrounding area following the incident.
Authorities have not released further details regarding potential motives or suspects. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have asked anyone with additional information to come forward, though no public appeals have been issued in this report. The incident underscores the coordinated response capabilities of Montreal’s emergency services when faced with suspected criminal activity.