Côte-des-Neiges fire forces 50 people from their homes

Montreal police are investigating an overnight fire in an apartment building in Côte-des-Neiges that left half of the 24 apartments damaged and forced 50 people from their homes.

Fire chief Martin Guilbault said it started in the basement of the four-storey building at around 11 p.m. near the corner of Goyer Street and Wilderton Avenue before spreading to the main floor.

Fire officials were unable to find the cause.

"It's very suspicious and we think it's arson so we gave the investigation to the SPVM," Guilbault said,

Officials estimate the fire caused about $100,000 in damages. Guilbault said about half the residents will have to be relocated.

Two people had minor injuries.

The Red Cross and Sun Youth have been at the scene to help those who were forced from their homes.