Brian Pare, a 37-year-old resident of Chibougamau, Quebec, facing arson charges for allegedly starting forest fires during the province’s severe wildfire season, will remain in custody until a bail hearing scheduled for Monday.
Pare was arrested and charged with two counts of arson on Thursday. Prosecutors allege that Pare intentionally ignited fires or explosions “on several occasions” in a forest area between July 8 and Tuesday. A second arson charge is related to a fire at a fishing cabin around May 31 that was not owned by the accused.
Provincial police are investigating whether the fires allegedly ignited by Pare are linked to the major wildfires near Chibougamau, a town located 450 kilometers northwest of Quebec City, which led to the evacuation of its 7,500 residents in June.
Sgt. Hugues Beaulieu, speaking in an interview on Friday, stated that the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are looking into potential connections to the primary forest fires in the Chibougamau area. Beaulieu noted that the case originated from the inquiry into the fishing cabin fire, during which evidence was discovered, ultimately leading to Pare’s arrest. Behavior analysis experts, criminal profilers, and forensic psychologists assisted the police during the investigation.
Chibougamau Mayor Manon Cyr expressed relief upon hearing of Pare’s arrest. She clarified that the fires attributed to Pare were not related to the two significant wildfires that necessitated the town’s evacuation in June, which she attributed to lightning strikes.
However, Pare is accused of deliberately starting fires during a period when the government had temporarily prohibited open-air fires and forest access.
Chibougamau was evacuated on June 6 for approximately one week due to wildfires and poor air quality.
Quebec experienced an unprecedented forest fire season this year, with nearly 15,000 square kilometers burned. The major crimes unit of the provincial police is overseeing the investigation, according to Beaulieu.