One person suffers burns in latest Halifax homeless encampment fire
One person was treated for minor injuries after the latest fire at a homeless encampment in Halifax Regional Municipality.
Firefighters were called to the Grand Parade site Monday at about 6:30 a.m. and found a 20-pound propane tank venting in a seating area containing a propane fire pit and some plastic chairs.
District chief Dennis Pitts said a fire caused the tank to heat up and pressurize the propane inside, which released a safety valve that caused the gas to vent out. When it did, the escaping gas ignited.
“The crews quickly cooled the tank down, which closed the safety valve and stopped the venting which put the propane fire out,” Pitts said.
The heat damaged one tent that was close to the fire. One person who had a burn on their hand was treated by firefighters.
Pitts said what caused the initial external fire that caused the propane tank to vent is still under investigation.
HRM said in a statement that the latest provincial temporary emergency shelter will open at 4 p.m. Monday in the multi-purpose centre of the Halifax Forum.
Municipal outreach staff will continue to speak to members of the homeless community to ensure they are aware of this option, the statement said. The indoor facilities have supports available and “meet basic human needs like a warm space, electricity, running water, showers, laundry services, regular meals and a place to store belongings.”
Monday morning’s fire was the latest in a series of incidents over the past several months at encampments and other sites where people have set up tents because they can’t find living accommodations or afford rent.
In November, a fire at an encampment below the Macdonald Bridge destroyed several tents and belongings. About a week later, a man was found dead in a tent in Dartmouth
In December, a man was hospitalized after the tent he was in collapsed under the weight of wet snow, trapping him.
Earlier this month, a woman suffered burns when a tent she was sleeping in in Berwick caught fire.
