“A Quebec man facing arson charges for allegedly setting forest fires during the province’s unprecedented wildfire season will remain detained ahead of a bail hearing on Monday.
Brian Paré, 37, of Chibougamau, Que., was arrested and charged with two counts of arson on Thursday. Prosecutors allege Paré deliberately ignited a fire or explosion “on several occasions” in a forest between July 8 and Tuesday. A second arson charge is in connection with a fire at a fishing cabin around May 31 that was not owned by the accused.
Provincial police say they are trying to determine whether the fires allegedly started by Paré were connected to the major wildfires near Chibougamau, located 450 kilometres northwest of Quebec City, that led to the evacuation of its 7,500 residents in June.”