Abbotsford, BC (Abby News) – Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service was called to a fire in the homeless camp on Gladys Avenue just after 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. The fire covered an area of about 10 feet by 10 feet. When crews arrived, flames were spreading quickly, but they were able to prevent the blaze from advancing.
Video from KAM Productions/Kevin MacDonald
Several tents and a portable toilet were destroyed, but initial reports indicate that nobody was injured.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and no further details were available at this time.
This is the second fire at the camp this year. The first incident took place in March in an area of about 30 feet by 40 feet. Nobody was injured.
A fire also occurred at the site in December 2014, when a teepee burned down and one man was left with minor injuries.
The camp was set up in late December 2013 after the city was granted a court injunction to remove a homeless protest camp in Jubilee Park.
The issue of whether people can continue to camp in the area is currently before a justice of the Supreme Court of B.C. as part of a bigger issue challenging the city’s bylaws against camping in parks.
The trial in the matter concluded early this month, and a decision is expected to take several months.
