Brian Paré, arrested last week for allegedly lighting forest fires around Chibougamau last summer, now faces nine additional charges, including arson in Chapais.
These charges were added Monday morning as the 37-year-old man returned to court at the Roberval courthouse.
The new indictment — which contains a total of 11 counts — shows that Brian Paré is facing justice for forest fires started in Chibougamau and Chapais, two areas of Nord-du-Québec that were prey to flames last summer. Chibougamau residents even had to be evacuated on June 6. They were able to return home almost a week later, on June 12.
It is not yet known which of these fires Brian Paré is blamed for. In a press release released last Thursday, the Sûreté du Québec specified that its investigation is still ongoing “to determine whether or not the fires started by the suspect led to the evacuations of Chibougamau residents at the beginning of summer 2023.”
In addition to being accused of having set fire to the Chapais forests on May 31 and June 1, Brian Paré is accused of having “intentionally or without regard for the consequences” started six forest fires in Chibougamau.
The other charges are for setting fire to a fishing cabin and a house and one for public nuisance “which endangered the life, safety, or health of the public.”
During the man’s appearance by videoconference Monday morning, Crown prosecutor M.e Marie-Philippe Charron opposed his release. Brian Paré, who has numerous criminal records, has been detained since his arrest on Thursday.
His lawyer, Me Jean Girard told the judge that he had not received the evidence that the Crown has against his client. Thus, his hearing for release will take place next Monday.