Halifax bridge ramp to reopen ahead of rush-hour traffic
No injuries reported after encampment fire under the on-ramp to the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge
The on-ramp to the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge in Halifax will be open in time for rush-hour traffic on Tuesday after a fire broke out at a homeless encampment under the ramp in the morning.
"Traffic should start having access soon. That should ease a lot of people's worries about getting home," Kelly Shiers, a spokesperson for Halifax Harbour Bridges, told CBC News in an email at 3:31 p.m.
Halifax Harbour Bridges engineers and other experts investigated the extent of the fire and heat damage to the concrete on Tuesday, Shiers told CBC News early in the afternoon.
Officials say no one was injured in the fire.
In an email, a spokesperson for Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency said crews were called to the encampment on Barrington Street in the vicinity of the ramp to the Macdonald Bridge just after 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Callers reported smoke, flames and some noises presumed to be small propane cylinders or other items exploding.
Halifax Regional Police said the ramp to the Macdonald Bridge was closed to all traffic, and traffic on Barrington Street was reduced to one lane in each direction. In an update on Tuesday afternoon, Halifax Regional Police said its officers were no longer at the scene.
The fire was brought under control quickly. There were no injuries.
Halifax Fire said there is no information on the cause of the fire and Halifax Harbour Bridges has taken over the scene.
The encampment — known as the Barrington Street green space — is one of five designated spaces where those experiencing homelessness can camp for the purpose of sheltering.
Max Chauvin, Halifax's director of housing and homelessness, told CBC News on Tuesday that he knew of two or three people who had been staying at the encampment when the fire occurred. He said supports are available to those who need it.
"So we, in working with partners, have some space available for them in a shelter and some other options and we'll also provide resources in terms of transportation and supplies and whatever else folks might need," Chauvin said.
He said he anticipates fencing will go up around the scene of the fire.
