Fire extinguished at homeless encampment in downtown Kitchener, investigation begins
Large plumes of black smoke spotted from the site at Victoria and Weber streets
Kitchener firefighters and Waterloo regional police are investigating a fire at the homeless encampment at Victoria Street and Weber Street W. in downtown Kitchener, Ont., on Tuesday morning.
Victoria Street had been closed between Weber and Duke streets as a result of the fire, but has since been reopened.
"There have been no injuries," said Tom O'Hara, public information officer for the Kitchener Fire Department.
"It appears that there is some wood that was on fire. However, we don't know where it started and that's why we have called the [Kitchener] fire prevention officer to investigate."
O'Hara said the area at the encampment will be cordoned off for investigators.
Regional police said they received multiple reports of a fire at 9:20 a.m. ET on Tuesday.
The fire was put out as of 10:15 a.m.
Police said the cause of the fire is still undetermined and officers continue to investigate.
Fire at tent encampment Victoria and Weber. Hope everyone's ok, especially those losing their home today. <a href="https://t.co/lxCDBshpzz">pic.twitter.com/lxCDBshpzz</a>
—@Sharonsmall56Over the summer, more than 60 people were living at the encampment on regionally owned property.
Staff with the Working Centre were on site Tuesday morning to support people living there.
"We have been out at the encampment checking in with people and to see how they're doing emotionally and doing what we can to offer tangible supports like food hampers and tents, tarps and things like that," said Nikki Britton, a social worker with the Working Centre's specialized outreach services.
"We'll continue to be available onsite as often as we can to check in around people's needs and how we can respond."