Yellowknife authorities are looking into a fire incident that occurred at a homeless camp in the city on Thursday night. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated that the investigation is ongoing. The camp, situated near Yellowknife’s Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, was engulfed in flames around 11:30 PM, destroying a tent and scorching a 10-foot by 10-foot area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported by both the police and city officials.
Resident Bobby Villeneuve, who was not present during the blaze, emphasized the importance of caution in handling potential fire hazards like propane tanks within the camp. He stressed the need for vigilance due to the close proximity of tents and flammable materials that could easily ignite.
This recent fire is not the first incident at the encampment. Last year, a tent caught fire while its occupant was attempting to stay warm. Concerns about fire risks and safety within such encampments have been raised by local leaders and advocates in Yellowknife, following previous incidents. Villeneuve highlighted the continuous need for caution, especially during the winter when propane tanks are commonly used for heating, posing a persistent fire hazard.
Villeneuve expressed that the encampment will be regularly monitored by municipal authorities to ensure the safety of its residents and prevent future accidents.