The Montreal fire department is investigating a vehicle fire that damaged the exterior of a mosque early Friday in Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough.
Approximately 50 firefighters responded to a call around 2 a.m. about a truck on fire that was parked between two buildings on Avenue de Courtrai. One of the buildings was Baitul Mukarram Mosque.
The flames from the vehicle spread to a container also parked near the mosque, damaging both the container and the exterior of the mosque.
The Montreal fire department says it is investigating the cause of the fire, and that this case has not been transferred to the Montreal police (SPVM).
At this time, the fire was deemed not suspicious, the Montreal fire department told CTV News.
No injuries were reported.
Borough mayor speaks out
Borough mayor Stephanie Valenzuela said on social media Sunday morning she is concerned about recent events in the borough, citing this fire and the fire at kosher restaurant Nöam.
The Montreal police’s arson squad is investigating the fire that destroyed the Jewish-owned restaurant on Décarie Blvd. on Saturday as a suspected case of arson.
“In recent days, a fire damaged a mosque in Darlington, temporarily suspending its activities. Early Saturday morning, another fire heavily damaged a commercial building in the Décarie–Plamondon–Vézina area, home to Nöam, a kosher restaurant, and a garage," she wrote.
“I understand that these events may cause concern. CDN-NDG is a diverse borough where everyone should feel safe and know they have a place. Acts of violence and intimidation have no place in our neighbourhoods. We remain vigilant and committed to the safety of our communities.”
She said she’s in contact with authorities and is closely monitoring the situation.
CTV News contacted Valenzuela for comment, but a media spokesperson said she was unavailable.
CTV News also reached out to Baitul Mukarram Mosque but did not receive a response.
