A restaurant in Ormstown, Quebec, was reduced to rubble after an overnight fire, marking the latest incident in a series of suspicious blazes that have left residents and business owners increasingly fearful.
A pizzeria in the small Quebec municipality of Ormstown was completely destroyed by fire early Sunday, November 8, prompting a police investigation into suspected arson.
The fire broke out at Pizzeria Ormstown, formerly known as Pizza Sara, on Lambton Street at approximately 2:30 a.m. Firefighters rushed to the scene and battled the flames, but the building suffered extensive damage and was eventually declared a total loss.
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ), Quebec’s provincial police force, said investigators discovered several elements at the scene suggesting that the fire had been deliberately set.
The incident is the latest in a series of suspicious fires targeting restaurants and businesses in the area over recent months. The repeated incidents have created anxiety among residents, with local officials demanding additional police resources and stronger action from the provincial government.
Restaurant Reduced to Rubble in Overnight Blaze
Firefighters arrived at Pizzeria Ormstown shortly after the fire was reported on Sunday morning.
According to local fire officials, the flames had already spread extensively through the building when emergency crews reached the location. The fire moved from the first floor into the walls and roof, eventually compromising the structure.
The building became unsafe, forcing firefighters to arrange its demolition for safety reasons.
The neighbouring properties experienced some exterior heat and water damage, but emergency crews managed to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Police spokesperson Louis-Philippe Ruel confirmed that investigators found suspicious elements indicating a possible criminal act.
No injuries were reported in the initial police account. However, separate local reporting said two families living above the restaurant were evacuated safely.
Fourth Suspicious Fire in Recent Months
The latest blaze is part of a worrying pattern of fires in Ormstown and the neighbouring municipality of Franklin.
Several businesses have been targeted since July, raising concerns about possible deliberate attacks.
The incidents include:
- Casa Venezia: A major fire damaged the restaurant in July. The business later relocated to Franklin, where it was targeted again in October.
- Express 57: The restaurant on Lambton Street was targeted in September when an individual allegedly used an accelerant to set fire to its entrance.
- Pizzeria Ormstown: The restaurant faced an attempted arson attack on November 4, when a Molotov cocktail was allegedly thrown at its entrance.
- Pizzeria Ormstown: A second and much more destructive fire on November 8 completely destroyed the building.
The Sûreté du Québec is investigating the incidents. However, police have cautioned that it is too early to establish whether all the fires are connected.
Arrest Made After Earlier Arson Attempt
The November 4 incident led to the arrest of a 27-year-old man after a suspected Molotov cocktail attack on Pizzeria Ormstown.
According to local reporting, the suspect was intercepted by police while attempting to flee the scene in a vehicle.
He appeared at the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield courthouse later that day. Reports said he faced charges connected to arson causing property damage, possession of incendiary materials and disguising himself for a criminal purpose.
The investigation into the latest fire remains separate, and authorities have not confirmed whether the arrested individual is connected to the November 8 destruction of the restaurant.
Mayor Demands Urgent Government Intervention
Ormstown Mayor Philippe Besombes has described the repeated incidents as unacceptable and warned that the situation is creating fear throughout the community.
The municipality has a population of fewer than 4,000 people, making the repeated attacks particularly concerning for local residents and business owners.
The mayor said he had already met with provincial police several times in recent weeks to discuss the incidents and seek additional investigative resources.
Following the latest fire, Besombes requested an urgent meeting with Quebec’s public safety authorities to discuss concrete measures to protect local businesses and residents.
Quebec’s Minister of Public Security, Guy Lapointe Jr., indicated that he would visit Ormstown on Monday, November 9, accompanied by representatives of the provincial police, to receive an update on the situation.
The mayor also plans to meet with local business owners to discuss possible security improvements.
Business Owners Say Fear Is Growing
The repeated attacks have taken a serious emotional and financial toll on business owners in the area.
Claude Gervais, owner of Express 57, said the incidents have fundamentally changed how he and his family feel about operating their restaurant.
The business, which was established by his mother around three decades ago, has experienced previous fire-related incidents. Gervais said the restaurant had also been targeted in an attempted arson attack while his mother was living in an apartment above it.
He expressed concern about the safety of his family and employees, saying the repeated incidents have created an atmosphere of fear.
After learning about the latest destruction, he indicated that closing the business or leaving the area could be among the options he considers.
Other business owners have also questioned whether it is safe to continue operating in the village.
Police Investigation Continues
The Sûreté du Québec continues to investigate the latest fire and the wider series of incidents.
Investigators will examine evidence collected from the destroyed building and consider whether the separate attacks share common characteristics.
At this stage, police have not established a confirmed connection between all the incidents. Authorities are expected to provide further information as the investigation progresses.
A Small Community Waiting for Answers
The destruction of Pizzeria Ormstown has become another major setback for a community already struggling with repeated suspected arson attacks.
Beyond the financial losses, the incidents have raised serious questions about the safety of local businesses and the protection of residents.
With the provincial government expected to receive an update from police, residents are hoping that additional resources and stronger security measures will help prevent further attacks.
For Ormstown, the immediate priority is not only finding those responsible but restoring a sense of safety to a village where business owners increasingly fear that another fire could happen at any time.
Source: CBC News, The Gleaner, CityNews Montreal and local Quebec media reports.