Trailer catches fire at Gatineau encampment
Firefighters in Gatineau, Que., put out a trailer fire at an encampment early Monday morning.
Emergency crews were called to the camp near the the Gîte ami shelter around 5 a.m., according to a news release from the city's fire department.
There was a risk of explosion, firefighters said in a French statement, with "several propane tanks inside the trailer and nearby."
Two people were in the trailer, firefighters said. There were no injuries and no other tents or trailers caught on fire.
Gatineau police will be investigating the incident, according to firefighters.
Two people were evacuated at the scene. Firefighters said the presence of propane tanks inside and outside the camp trailer posed a risk of explosion. (Amadou Barry/Radio-Canada)
In December, Gîte ami staff said the nearby tent city was a source of concern since fires frequently break out as campers heat themselves with gasoline or propane tanks.
At the time, 28 heated, fire-resistant tents were set up on parking lot near the shelter and were approved to stay there until May 15.
Gatineau has seen "a drastic increase in the number of people living in homelessness," said Coun. Daniel Champagne in December.
