There were no injuries following a fire on Thursday night (May 18) at the Wolfe Street encampment in downtown Peterborough, although there was extensive damage and one person was displaced.
At around 11:50 p.m. on Thursday, police and fire crews responded to a report of multiple temporary structures on fire in the Rehill overflow parking lot.
On arrival, fire crews observed multiple small structures fully involved, with fire extending to adjacent temporary structures located on Dalhousie Street.
After accounting for all occupants, fire crews quickly brought under the blaze under control. However, fire and related damage to the structures and their contents was extensive.
There were no reports of any injuries, although one occupant was displaced. Police did not lay any charges.
The fire is sure to provoke discussion at Peterborough city council’s meeting on Tuesday night, when council will decide whether to approve an earlier decision by general committee to support a city staff report recommending modular temporary housing be built at the Wolfe Street site.
At the meeting, council will hear from delegations, including from residents and businesses neighbouring the Wolfe Street encampment.
