The Saanich Fire Department was called to an early morning fire on Thursday morning after flames erupted in a homeless encampment near the Pat Bay Highway.
Local resident Deborah Greenwood says she was awakened by an explosion at around 4 a.m. and looked out to see a bright fire burning on the treed area that separates the Pat Bay Highway and McKenzie Avenue.
Saanich Fire confirms the fire started in an encampment where people were sheltering overnight.
It’s the same encampment where three people have been living for 10 years, but were asked to leave in the Summer by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, who owns the property.
READ MORE: 3 homeless campers who’ve lived in small Saanich forest for years being forced out
Saanich Fire chief Michael Burgess says when crews arrived, a small structure, the size of a room or shed, was ablaze.
Police say they were asked by the fire department to attend, but are not deeming the fire suspicious and are not investigating.
The fire department is still investigating the cause of the fire.
Saanich Fire says everything inside the structure was destroyed, and they are currently trying to help relocate those who were staying in the area.
Saanich Police says only one of the campers lost all of their personal possessions in the fire and is working to connect the person with the resources in the community.
The site of the fire hours after the flames were put out / Joni Marcolin
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Rebecca Lawrence
