Homeless man badly burned in tent fire in Burnaby, B.C.
Police suspect unidentified 44-year-old victim started the fire to keep warm
A number of drivers rushed to help a homeless man on Friday morning, after he was badly burned when his tent caught fire in Burnaby, B.C..
Dave Andrews said he was driving along Highway One eastbound before the Brunette Avenue exit around 5 a.m. PT Friday, when he saw something unusual.
"I saw the blue truck over there and the body lying on the floor. I thought he got hit by a vehicle and someone pulled over to assist him," said Andrews.
Andrews says he pulled over to try help.
"I came over, saw the gentleman lying down on the floor shaking around, lying in pain," said Andrews.
"Poor guy burned himself. Probably got second and third degree burns over his body. Living over in the woods here, living in a tent."
The unidentified 44-year-old victim was taken to Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, B.C. where he is reportedly in critical condition.
Sgt. John Buis says investigators are still trying to confirm exactly what happened, but they believe the man may have started a fire to keep warm.
Buis said the area is a well-known camping site for the homeless and they believe the victim was living in the area on and off for the past six months.
"We have brought people in to talk to the homeless people who are taking refuge there," said Buis.