By Canadian Press

Quebec man facing arson charges in northern wildfires detained ahead of bail hearing

Sep 8, 2023 | 8:51 AM

A Quebec man facing arson charges in connection with forest fires in the province’s north during the spring and summer will remain detained ahead of a bail hearing on Monday.

Quebec provincial police say 37-year-old Brian Paré of Chibougamau, Que., was charged with two counts of arson on Thursday.

Prosecutors say the charges are in connection with a fire that was allegedly ignited deliberately in a forest between July 8 and Tuesday, and a second blaze at a fishing cabin around May 31.

Sgt. Hugues Beaulieu says police were assisted by behaviour analysis experts, criminal profilers, and forensic psychologists in their investigation.

The major crimes unit is trying to determine whether the alleged arsons are connected to the forced evacuations in June of residents of Chibougamau, about 450 kilometres northwest of Quebec City.

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Chibougamau’s 7,500 residents were forced from their homes on June 6 for about one week because of wildfires and poor air quality.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 8, 2023.

The Canadian Press