The Montreal police arson squad is investigating a fire that was set Thursday near the scene of a devastating blaze that destroyed several buildings two days earlier.

The latest fire, which was much smaller, began around 1:20 a.m. in a garbage can at 3842 Mentana north of Roy in the Plateau district.

Firefighters were called in and the fire was out within 15 minutes.

The file was then transferred to police since the cause isn't known.

Police patrolled the area, but did not see anything suspicious.

Second fire in three days

There's no indication that the fire is related to the massive blaze that gutted several buildings nearby on Tuesday.

Two buildings collapsed, another two might have to be demolished and two more will have to be rebuilt at St-Andre and Roy.

A number of people were left homeless.