Statement regarding fire safety at encampment: Fire crews remove two structures at Belle Park due to immediate safety concerns

Last night, fire crews responded to Belle Park for a reported vegetation fire at approximately 7:15 p.m. On arrival, fire crews observed a gazebo style wood structure fully engulfed in flames. Shortly after, the fire was extinguished, and no injuries occurred.

Fire Prevention attended and observed sterno containers in the suspected area of origin and throughout the structure. An Immediate Threat to Life Notice was issued for the removal of the sterno containers and items used to construct a homemade wood stove. 

Kingston Fire & Rescue, exercising powers under section 15 of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, dismantled the wood structure and a partially enclosed combustible structure today in Belle Park. 

“The safety of people living in the Belle Park area remains of utmost concern,” says Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Donaldson. “Last night’s incidents resulted in two Immediate Threats to Life Notices being issued – one, for the removal of the wood structure and a second due to a campfire burning inside a combustible structure where the walls were made of skids and tarp.” 

“We’re urging people to please use extreme caution in these situations. In recent weeks fire crews have been called to multiple incidents where homemade fire sources inside combustibles structures have been the cause,” says Donaldson.

Under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, inspectors who believe a risk of fire poses an immediate threat to life have the authority to enter on land or premises and take any action urgently required to remove or reduce the threat to life and/or and remove any items that may constitute a fire menace.  These actions are not related to enforcement of the Parks By-Law's prohibition on daytime camping in parks.  To date, Kingston Fire & Rescue has taken action to remove or reduce immediate threats to life within Belle Park approximately 36 separate times.  Support workers and staff from the City's Housing and Social Services department were on site and available to assist anyone affected by the removal of the structures, including offering storage options for belongings, shelter space and transportation.