One woman was brought to hospital with burns after explosions and a tent fire at the homeless encampment in the Energy Court parking lot in downtown Sudbury Dec. 1.
Black smoke from the fire could be seen across the downtown, prompting posts to social media.
Greater Sudbury Fire Services Deputy Chief Jesse Oshell said fire services were called to the scene at 5 p.m. Sunday evening.
“We were called to a fire in Energy Court in a tent, and there were reports of several small explosions,” Oshell said.
“Our crews did locate a tent that was on fire. The explosions were from propane canisters that were in the tent being used with a fuel-fired heating appliance. There was one individual who was assessed on the scene by paramedics for burns, and she was transported to hospital.”
Asked if the woman’s injuries were severe, Oshell said “I don’t believe so.”
Greater Sudbury Police is now investigating the incident, he said. That’s “just due to the location,” and “potentially they have information that may lead to the fire being suspicious, so we just have turned the scene over to them.”
Oshell said the incident has been reported to the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office, but “I don’t believe the fire marshal will be attending.”
Given there have been several tent fires at homeless encampments over the years, Oshell said he continues to urge caution with any type of fuel-fired appliances, whether that’s for heating or cooking.
“You have to be extremely diligent and careful with them,” he said. “Obviously, those appliances are not designed to be used in such spaces.”
Oshell said personal belongings or debris could brush up against these appliances or get too close, and catch fire.
“Obviously, that's a significant fire hazard, and there's always the hazard for carbon monoxide poisoning,” he said. “So being extra cautious around any fuel-fired appliance, that's of the utmost importance.”
Heidi Ulrichsen is Sudbury.com’s assistant editor.