Key Insights

According to City News Everywhere, Montreal reported 407 arson cases between January and October 2024. 151 incidents affect properties and 96 incidents target vehicles. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 95,000 arson cases were reported nationwide between 2012 and 2021, mostly in open areas and private homes.  Compared to Montreal, certain Canadian provinces have higher arson rates. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and New Brunswick have more than double the average of 26 incidents per 100,000 people based on Statistics Canada’s reports. As per retired Lieutenant Detective Pietro Poletti via City News Everywhere, arson in Montreal is often tied to criminal groups, with over 30 gangs operating in the city. Montreal has no formal arson prevention plan, but ongoing initiatives focus on fire safety, as campaigned by the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (SIM). Different types of arson in Montreal carry severe legal consequences under the Criminal Code of Canada, with penalties ranging from 5 up to life imprisonment.

Arson remains a growing concern in Montreal and across Canada, posing significant risks to property, public safety, and law enforcement efforts. The rising number of cases raises concerns about underlying causes, trends, and potential links to organized crime.

According to City News Everywhere, Montreal has seen a concerning number of arson incidents in 2024. Between January 1 and October 31, 407 arson cases were reported.

Among the 407 reported cases, 151 involved properties and 96 targeted vehicles. According to the Montreal Fire Department, the latter sometimes serve as warnings or as cover-ups for other crimes.

In fact, arson crimes aren’t just problems in Montreal. Arson incidents remain a problem on a national scale.

According to Statista, 2023 recorded an increase of 8.72% in cases compared to the previous year.

This rate of incidents reached 27.39 incidents per 100,000 people, reflecting an upward trend that demands immediate law enforcement measures.

Arson statistics trends across Canada

In recent years, arson-related crimes in Canada have shown growth, with Montreal being no exception.

As per Statistics Canada, between 2012 and 2021, nearly 95.000 cases of arson were reported nationwide. Most of these incidents occurred in open areas or private dwellings. 

Fire-related homicides, though less common, remain a serious concern as well. Between 2011 and 202, there were about 300 recorded cases across Canada.

While property-related cases make up the majority of cases, violent arson (with risk to human life) has also increased by 8% since 2012.

Arson trends in the country vary significantly by province, with Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and New Brunswick reporting the highest rates over the past decade.

Saskatchewan leads with 65 incidents per 100,000 people, followed by Manitoba with 61 incidents and New Brunswick with 46 incidents. These figures are nearly two and a half times higher than the national average of 26 incidents per 100,000 people.

While Montreal isn’t among the provinces with the highest incidents, there are still enough cases in recent years to cause concern. By identifying high-risk areas, authorities can implement strategic measures more effectively. 

Causes of arson in Montreal

Arson in Montreal is often linked to criminal organizations, with over 30 different groups and street gangs operating in the city.

According to retired Lieutenant Detective Pietro Poletti via City News Everywhere, these newer criminal entities have diversified methods, unlike traditional organized crime groups such as the mafia or biker gangs.

The retired Lieutenant highlights that many arson incidents occur in areas where businesses are thriving, suggesting that financial gain or intimidation tactics were primary motives.

Additionally, Min-Tri Tuong, a retired commander of specialized investigations for the Montreal Police, supports the idea that arson is not solely the work of organized crime.

For instance, he highlighted that in some cases, criminal groups demand protection payments from businesses and use arson as a form of coercion. If business owners refuse to pay, they may face escalating threats, including property damage. 

Arson prevention and public awareness in Montreal

While there aren’t any solid city plans for arson prevention methods yet, many initiatives are in place to help curb fire-related incidents and ensure public safety.

According to the Fire and Safety Journals Americas, the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal hosted open house events across 12 fire stations in 2024. The event ran from May to June and again from September to October.

This initiative aims to provide residents with an inside look at firefighting operations.

Another major focus of the fire safety campaign was the growing risk of lithium-ion batteries in small electric vehicles such as e-bikes and scooters.

According to SIM, over 25 battery-related fires have been reported since 2022. They also highlighted that 85% of fires in Montreal are caused by human negligence, particularly distractions while cooking or improper handling of heating devices.

Legal consequences of arson in Montreal

Arson is a serious offence in Montreal, with severe legal consequences depending on the intent, severity, and impact of the crime. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, arson-related offences can result in substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences. 

Arson – Disregard for Human Life (Section 433)

This is the most severe arson charge that applies when a person deliberately or recklessly sets a fire or causes an explosion that endangers human life. Due to its seriousness, the penalty for this offence is life imprisonment. 

Arson – Damage to Property (Section 434)

This offence occurs when an individual intentionally sets fire to the property they do not fully own, whether it’s a private residence or vehicle. Depending on the severity of the damage, the penalty can be as high as 14 years in prison.

Arson – Own Property (Section 434.1)

Setting fire to one’s own property becomes an offence if the fire endangers others. This includes cases where fire spreads to neighboring properties, puts bystanders at risk, or leads to firefighter injuries. The penalty is also up to 14 years in prison.

Arson – Fraudulent Purpose (Section 435.1)

This type of arson involves setting fire to property to commit fraud, often for insurance claims. The penalty for this can go up to 10 years of imprisonment. 

Arson by Negligence (Section 436)

Some fires are caused by negligence, such as failing to follow fire safety regulations or improperly handling flammable materials. The individual charged may face criminal charges, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison. 

References

• City News Everywhere. Over 400 arson attacks reported in Montreal so far this year (2024). https://montreal.citynews.ca/2024/11/17/over-400-arson-attacks-reported-in-montreal/ 
• Fire & Safety Journal Americas. Montreal fire stations host open houses to promote fire safety (2024). https://fireandsafetyjournalamericas.com/montreal-fire-stations-host-open-houses-to-promote-fire-safety/ 
• Government of Canada. Wilful and Forbidden Acts in Respect of Certain Property (continued) (n.d.). https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/page-60.html 
• Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal. Fire Prevention Week (n.d.). https://sim.montreal.ca/en/fire-prevention-week 
• Statista. Reported arson rate in Canada from 2002 to 2023 (2025). https://www.statista.com/statistics/524941/canada-rate-of-arsons/ 
• Statistics Canada. Police-reported arson and fire-related homicide in Canada (2022) https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/221209/dq221209c-eng.pdf