MONTREAL – The Montreal police arson squad is investigating an overnight fire in a downtown commercial building on Ste-Catherine St. East.
The squad was called in early Thursday morning to examine the site, a two-story building located at the corner of Ste-Catherine St. East and St-Timothée St.
According to Fire Operations Chief Luc Galarneau the fire started in the back of the building, making access for firefighters more difficult.
“It’s an old building that has gone through some renovations,” he said.
100 firefighters were called to the scene when the first alarm went off at 1:20a.m.
The fire was declared under control at 4 a.m and was fully extinguished around 5:20a.m.
There were no major injuries, however one firefighter was taken to hospital as a precaution after being diagnosed with smoke inhalation.
Damage to the building is estimated at $1.5 million.
The investigation was turned over to the arson squad after traces of accelerant were found inside the building.
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