Yellowknife firefighters and RCMP swiftly responded to a fire incident at a homeless encampment within the city on Wednesday afternoon. The blaze was observed near the encampment close to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, with flames clearly visible from the parking lot of the N.W.T. Legislative Assembly, as reported on social media.
Peter Adourian, an advocate assisting the encampment residents, mentioned that no injuries were reported, but one tent and most of the residents’ possessions were consumed by the fire. Fire chief Jason Arns stated that although the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, initial assessments suggest it may have been accidental, likely stemming from attempts to stay warm.
Encampment inhabitants have persistently requested fire safety equipment and fire-resistant shelters from the authorities for several months. Adourian recently corresponded with Housing Minister Lucy Kuptana, emphasizing the urgent need for fire extinguishers and fire-retardant tents to mitigate the escalating risk of fire incidents as temperatures drop during the winter season.
Despite efforts to improve conditions at the encampment, including fundraising for essential facilities like a portable toilet and waste disposal arrangements, critical issues such as access to potable water and fire safety precautions persist. Adourian’s clients, determined to endure the winter at the encampment, have procured wood stoves for heating purposes.
In response to Adourian’s appeals, Erin Kelly, president and CEO of Housing N.W.T., reiterated the government’s stance against endorsing formalized encampments due to heightened risks for vulnerable populations. The focus remains on ensuring the availability of safe and accessible shelters for all in need, with vacant beds reported at various existing facilities in the city.
The encampment, initially inhabited by approximately 20 individuals during the summer, has now seen a decrease in residents to an estimated five to seven people. Efforts to obtain further details on the fire incident have been made to the City of Yellowknife and RCMP by CBC.