MONTREAL — A lawyer representing the father of a man killed in a fire in Old Montreal says the fact police are now investigating the fire as arson raises new questions for victims' families.
Melissa Lonn is representing Randy Sears, whose son, Nathan, was among seven people killed when a heritage building hosting illegal short-term rentals caught fire on March 16.
On Monday, Montreal police Insp. David Shane said investigators found where the fire started, as well as traces of accelerant. He said the probe is now a criminal investigation that could lead to a wide range of possible charges, from arson to murder. "Then, inside, we'll analyze it room by room, look for signs of charring, particularly soot marks, the damage to the building and we'll come to an area where several elements tell us is the place where it started," he said.
In the Old Montreal fire, police said they found traces of accelerant. Morin said that could be any material that contributes to the rapid spread of a fire, including gasoline or other flammable materials.
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