Posted by Brantford police have charged a 51-year-old man after investigating a fire set at a homeless encampment in Shallow Creek Park.
The man faces charges of arson endangering life, mischief and breach of recognizance in connection with a fire at the “Welcome Love Camp” on Wednesday at around 9 a.m. that broke out after police attended the camp with city officials to execute a notice to trespassers to vacate privately owned and city-owned property.
Officers assisted with keeping the peace as a coordinated effort was being made to help those who were living in the area. The occupants had been given notice in advance of the day’s efforts and were told they were trespassing. They were given ample notice that they would need to relocate and clean up the camp.
The city has set up emergency shelter facilities and support services at a city building nearby on Greenwich Street to help those that may have been affected prior to today’s events.
When the police arrived at the camp, a fire had flared up.
Officers moved quickly to rescue an individual before he was injured.
Firefighters arrived and quickly extinguished the fire.
A criminal investigation is now being conducted into the fire and how it started. While officers were on scene, paramedics were called in to help an unresponsive man who was found in the encampment and may have been suffering from hypothermia.
The Brantford Police Service will continue to assist in keeping the peace while the city and other agencies work to assist those who lived in this encampment.
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