Arson squad probes fire after Montreal condo project destroyed

An arson squad has been called in to investigate after a large fire in Montreal's east end destroyed six condominium buildings under constructionFriday morning.

The fire broke out at three residential properties belonging to developer Frank Catania at about 5:40 a.m.

Flames quickly spread to the three other buildings because there were a lot of combustible materials, including wood, at the construction site, fire officials said.

The blaze was brought under control by the more than 80 firefighters on the scene by about 8 a.m.

The destroyed buildings on Grosbois Street were slated to house 120 units in the residential neighbourhoodnorth of Sherbrooke Street East.

At its peak, the four-alarm blaze covered about two city blocks.

Fire's cause unknown

There were no reports of injuries related to the fire, officials said, while the possible cause remained under investigation.

Montreal policeconfirmed that the fire is being investigated as suspicious and the case has been handed over to its arson squad.

The city's sale of the four million square feet of land where the condos were being built came under scrutiny last year due to accusations of favouritism.

The construction project was part of Faubourg Contrecoeur, being built by Catania.

The land was sold to Catania's company by the Socit d'habitation et de dveloppement, which is headed by a former aide to Montreal Mayor Grald Tremblay.