City of Kingston: statement regarding encampment safety

KINGSTON, ONT. / Feb. 26, 2024

Kingston Fire & Rescue, exercising powers under section 15 of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, removed a tent today in Belle Park because it was required to remove or reduce an immediate threat to life. Fire officials consulted with Ontario's Office of the Fire Marshal prior to taking the action. Removal of the tent is not related to enforcement of the Parks By-Law's prohibition on daytime camping in parks. Under the Act, fire inspectors who believe a risk of fire poses an immediate threat to life have the authority to enter on land or premises and remove anything that may constitute a fire menace or take any action urgently required to remove or reduce the threat to life. Since Feb. 6, 2024, fire inspectors have taken steps to remove or reduce immediate threats to life at this particular tent on three separate occasions. In that same period, they’ve taken action to remove or reduce immediate threats to life at the Belle Park encampment approximately 24 separate times. “This is a safety issue and the well-being of those who use this tent remains our biggest concern,” says Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Donaldson. “Fire officials have previously removed a number of devices that posed danger when used inside this flammable tent, including wood stoves and propane tanks,” he added. Support workers, including a child welfare service worker and staff from the City's Housing and Social Services department, were on site and available to assist anyone affected by the removal of this tent, including offering storage options for belongings and transportation.

 

The City of Kingston is aware that six large military-style tents have been erected at the Belle Park encampment and that people are using these tents for shelter. These tents, like the other structures erected permanently or semi-permanently at the Belle Park encampment, contravene the prohibition on daytime camping in the City's By-Law Number 2009-76.

Kingston Fire and Rescue, in accordance with the authority of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, have, for the purpose of reducing the risk of fire which poses an immediate threat to life, been removing fire hazards in the Belle Park area this week. Some campers have constructed homemade wood stoves and are using modified propane tanks inside tents and other structures where people are living. 

‘‘To date we have issued 24 Immediate Threat to Life notices because we’re very concerned about the safety of people due to multiple fire hazards,’’ says Rick Vasko, Fire Inspector, Kingston Fire and Rescue. “We’re concerned about all tents, including the heavy army style ones that are appearing there and the contents inside those tents, which are very flammable. We’re really trying to get a message out about the safety of people living in this area."

The City continues to consider how to enforce prohibition on day-time camping in its Parks By-Law to both (a) address the public safety issues caused by the permanent nature of the encampment at Belle Park; and (b) respect the dignity and well-being of the people residing at the encampment. As always, the City will communicate with encampment residents before taking any enforcement action.