By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

In a tranquil neighbourhood of Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO), a series of vehicle fires has sparked concern and prompted an investigation by Montreal police (SPVM).

The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, when a vehicle parked on Louis-Riel Street was engulfed in flames. This marks the third vehicle fire on the same street in just two days, leading to heightened scrutiny from law enforcement, with high suspicions of arson.

Residents were awakened by the sounds of the blaze around 3:50 a.m., with the SPVM summoned to the scene minutes later. Officers discovered a vehicle completely destroyed by fire, and the initial reports stemming from the early stages of the investigation suggests suspicious circumstances, according to SPVM spokesperson Veronique Dubuc.

This unsettling pattern began the previous evening, when two other vehicles were allegedly similarly set ablaze on the same street around 8 p.m.

In response to these incidents, the SPVM has ramped up their presence in the area, deploying additional patrols to maintain public safety and gather information. The SPVM’s arson unit has taken charge of the investigation, examining the scene for evidence to determine the cause of these fires.

The local DDO community finds itself on edge, with residents eager for answers. As authorities continue their investigation, locals remain vigilant, hoping for a swift resolution to these mysterious and troubling incidents.

Kirkland residents living on the same street have recently experienced a similar scare, with multiple arson attacks occurring at three residences on the same street. 

West Island residents, commenting to The Suburban, have raised various concerns about the rise in crime in different neighbourhoods which have previously been considered generally “safe” in comparison with other sectors in the Greater Montreal Area (GMA).