The two fires broke out within 30 minutes of each other.
Montreal police found themselves dealing with two cases of arson within 30 minutes of each other early Friday, after fires broke out at a Dollard-des-Ormeaux strip mall and a residence in the borough of Montreal-North.
The strip mall fire was the first incident, with police receiving a 911 call at about 1:30 a.m. reporting a fire on Sunnybrooke Blvd. near Kingsley St. in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. By the time officers arrived at the scene, firefighters were already battling the flames, but damage to the building was extensive.
Witnesses said at least one suspect was seen fleeing the area before the arrival of police. There were no injuries reported.
At about 2 a.m., Montreal firefighters called police for assistance after traces of flammables were found at the scene of a fire in a residence on Alfred St. near Henri-Bourassa Blvd. in the borough of Montreal-North.
One person was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but was not hospitalized.
Investigators are expected to visit both fire scenes later on Friday.