UPDATED: Charges Laid in May Fire in Mattawa That Displaced Four Families
Mattawa, ON – May 22, 2025 — Police have laid charges in connection with a fire that tore through a residential building in Mattawa earlier this month, leaving four families without homes. The incident, which occurred on the night of May 4, has now been deemed suspicious following an investigation by local authorities and the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office.
According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), 34-year-old Joshua Lamoureux of Mattawa has been charged with arson and mischief endangering life. Lamoureux was arrested on May 20 following an extensive investigation that involved interviews with witnesses, forensic analysis of the scene, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
The fire broke out just after 11:30 p.m. at a multi-unit building on Main Street in the heart of Mattawa. Emergency services arrived to find the structure engulfed in flames, with residents scrambling to escape. Fire crews from Mattawa, Papineau-Cameron, and Calvin Township worked through the night to contain the blaze.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, but four families — a total of 12 individuals — were displaced by the fire and have since been receiving support from the Red Cross and local community organizations.
In a press release issued by the North Bay OPP detachment, police said that the fire was “deliberately set” and that the suspect was known to residents of the building. Investigators have not disclosed a potential motive but confirmed that the accused did not live in the building.
“The safety of our communities is our highest priority,” said Constable Beverly Gauthier, spokesperson for the North Bay OPP. “This incident could have had a tragic outcome. We are thankful for the swift response of local firefighters and the cooperation of the public, which was instrumental in bringing this investigation to a conclusion.”
Lamoureux made a brief court appearance on May 21 and remains in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for later this week. The charges he faces are serious; if convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence under Canada’s Criminal Code.
The building, which housed a mix of low-income and working-class tenants, is considered a total loss. The Town of Mattawa has already begun discussions on how to support the displaced residents and help with rebuilding efforts. Local charities and churches have organized donation drives to provide clothing, food, and temporary housing.
Mayor Dean Backer expressed his concern and gratitude in a statement issued Wednesday: “Our thoughts are with those affected by this devastating fire. Mattawa is a strong and close-knit community, and we will continue to stand by our neighbors as they recover. We also commend our emergency responders and law enforcement for their quick and professional actions.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
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