Montreal police have charged a firefighter in connection with a five-alarm blaze that consumed a Canadian Tire store, leaving a hollowed-out shell.
Michel Brochu was employed at a fire station just blocks away from the alleged arson. He has worked for the Montreal Fire Department since 1989.
"The suspect, who is 45 years old, gave himself up to police Sunday afternoon," police spokesperson Lynne Labelle told CTV Montreal.
Investigators have asked that Brochu undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
"It's a demand that investigators made to the court. I don't know exactly why, but it's following the information they received," said Labelle.
Fire department officials refused to appear on camera to discuss the case. But they released a press release Tuesday, saying Brochu would be suspended without pay during his legal proceedings.
Chris Ross, a spokesperson for the firefighters' association, said the union was "surprised" by the allegation.
"At this point it's a criminal accusation," he said. "It doesn't touch labour relations, so obviously we're not involved."
The blaze broke out May 24 in the store's camping department. Firefighters thought they had extinguished the flames, but were forced to come back when the fire reignited.
One firefighter was slightly injured, but no customers or staff were hurt.
Republished with permission of CTV.ca.
