FREDERIC SERRE
The 1019 Report

Investigators with the Sûreté du Québec’s arson squad and the St. Lazare fire department are trying to figure out who has it in for the residents of a house on Bédard Avenue in St. Lazare, which has been the scene of two criminally set fires in recent weeks. 

The most recent act of arson took place March 25, when firefighters were called to the residence shortly after 1 a.m. Upon arrival, they immediately extinguished the flames on the outside of the house and located traces of accelerant. While at least one occupant was inside the house, no injuries were reported and damage was minimal.

According to the SQ, the same residence was the target of a similar attack at about 1 a.m. on March 21, when the owner of the house called 911 to report a fire after he found accelerants on the exterior of the house. While waiting for firefighters to arrive, he used a hose to try to extinguish the flames.

SQ officials declined to comment on the two fires, saying their investigation is continuing.