Feb 28 Statement Regarding Encampment Safety City of Kingston

Kingston Fire & Rescue, exercising powers under section 15 of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, removed a wood cabin today in Belle Park because it was required to remove or reduce an immediate threat to life. 

Removal of the structure 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 structure 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 31 separate times. 

“This morning an individual was assisted out of a burning tent at Belle Park with minor burns,” says Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Donaldson. “This took place on the same day Kingson Fire & Rescue removed a structure where multiple heating devices have been seized in recent weeks.,” said Donaldson.  
 
“We remain very concerned about the devices being used inside flammable tents and more permanent structures including BBQs for open air fires, homemade woodstoves to provide heat, a gasoline generator which was providing power to numerous electrical appliances and a space heater installed on top of clothing. 

“We will continue to do whatever we can to ensure the safety of everyone here,” says Donaldson.  

Support workers and staff from the City's Housing and Social Services department, were on site today and available to assist anyone affected by the removal of this tent, including offering storage options for belongings and transportation.