SAINT LEONARD - An overnight fire severely damaged a dairy processing plant in St. Leonard.
The fire, which began around 9:30 p.m. at the Berchicci food company, was apparently deliberately set.
Witnesses say a minivan was driven through the building's garage door in order to start the fire, however police and firefighters are only saying the fire is suspicious and the arson squad will investigate.
"Firefighters found elements showing signs of criminal arson," said officer Laurent Gingras of Montreal police.
The fire quickly spread from the vehicle to the rest of the warehouse.
After 12 hours of fighting the blaze the building at the corner of Couture and Belmont was heavily damaged, and construction equipment was brought in to demolish the structure.
Berchicci owner Giuseppe Occhiuto does not know why anyone would want to set fire to his company.
"We've been doing very well. We've been here six-seven months. Before we used to be not too far from here, next street," said Occhiuto.
About 20 people worked for the company, which imported cheese, bread, and other specialty products from Italy.
Berchicci recently opened a food counter which people in the neighbourhood say was very popular.
Meanwhile police are looking into connections between this fire, two arsons earlier in the week, and dozens of firebombings in Montreal over the past 18 months.
The following video of the fire was taken by CTV viewer Anthony Tavani and submitted to MyNews.
