Three restaurants in Lanaudière were damaged by suspicious fires overnight, with investigators finding evidence pointing to arson at each scene. The first blaze broke out around 2:30 a.m. On Route 125 near Lac Leemans, followed by a second fire on 1st Avenue in Rawdon near Route 348 about thirty minutes later. A third fire occurred around 3:30 a.m., again on Route 125 near the intersection with Route 337. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents, but the proximity and timing of the fires prompted authorities to transfer the investigation to the Sûreté du Québec.
Fire technicians and police investigators were dispatched to all three locations to collect evidence and determine the exact cause of each blaze. Suspicious materials were found at every site, leading officials to treat the fires as criminal acts rather than accidents. The scenes were secured to preserve potential forensic evidence, including accelerant residues or ignition devices, which are now under analysis.
The affected businesses have been identified as Le Cartel café gourmand in Sainte-Julienne, Dic Ann’s in Rawdon and Salavatoré, also located in Rawdon. According to Vanessa Turcot, owner of Le Cartel, this pattern of targeting restaurants is not new; she noted that other establishments in the region, including Barbas in Saint-Lin, had previously suffered similar attacks, with that venue experiencing two fires over the winter months.
Turcot expressed frustration and fear over the recurring violence, saying in an interview that owners feel they are losing control of their livelihoods. She confirmed that local restaurateurs are discussing the possibility of offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible, hoping to encourage community cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
For more on this story, see Williamstown Ice Cream Shop Arson: Sixth Fire in 3 Years Sparks Probe.
The Sûreté du Québec has taken over the case due to the suspicious nature of the fires and is coordinating with municipal fire services. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras in an effort to identify suspects or vehicles seen in the area during the time of the incidents.
Authorities have not released any descriptions of suspects or motives, and they continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. The investigation remains active, with forensic results expected to play a key role in determining whether the fires were linked and potentially connected to organized criminal activity.
What evidence suggests the fires were intentionally set?
Investigators found suspicious materials at all three fire scenes, which led the Sûreté du Québec to classify the incidents as arson and take over the investigation from local fire services.
Have any suspects been identified or described by police?
No suspects have been named or described publicly; the Sûreté du Québec states the investigation is ongoing and is reviewing video footage and witness accounts.
Are the restaurant owners taking any action in response to the fires?
Yes, owners including Vanessa Turcot of Le Cartel are considering offering a reward for information that leads to arrests, aiming to increase public assistance in the investigation.