Three vehicles were deliberately set on fire in Montreal’s Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough on Monday, June 29, 2026, according to local police. The incident occurred in the evening, prompting a response from the Montreal fire department and police service. No injuries were reported, and authorities are investigating the arson.
Details of the Incident
The fire was reported around 9:30 p.m. local time on the 6000 block of 12th Avenue. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, but all three vehicles were completely destroyed. Police are reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses to determine the cause and identify suspects. A spokesperson for the Montreal police service confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.
Community Impact
Residents in the area expressed concern over the brazen act of vandalism. “It’s unsettling to see something like this happen in our neighborhood,” said a local resident who asked not to be named. “We hope the police find whoever did this quickly.” The incident adds to a series of vehicle arsons reported in the region this year, though police have not indicated a pattern or connection to other cases.
Police Response
Montreal police have urged anyone with information to come forward. “We are treating this as a serious criminal act,” said Constable Jean-Pierre Bouchard. “Arson poses a significant risk to public safety, and we are dedicating resources to solve this case.” The investigation is being handled by the arson unit of the Montreal police service.
Broader Context
Vehicle arsons have been a recurring issue in some Montreal neighborhoods. In 2025, the city reported a 15% increase in vehicle fires compared to the previous year, according to Montreal fire department statistics. While many are accidental, deliberate acts remain a focus for law enforcement. The Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough has seen a mix of residential and commercial development, and community leaders are calling for increased patrols to deter future incidents.
