Police in Saint John, N.B. are investigating a fire at a homeless tent encampment that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The fire occurred near the 100-block of Paradise Row, with emergency crews responding around 3:41 p.m. on a Monday. After the fire was extinguished, the bodies of two individuals were found. Authorities are working on identifying the deceased individuals in order to notify their next of kin. The major crime unit, forensic services, and the coroner’s office have all been called in to investigate the incident.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, and police are actively trying to determine what led to the tragic event. They are appealing for witnesses or anyone with video footage or surveillance of the area before, during, or after the fire to come forward. This is not the first incident to occur at a homeless encampment on Paradise Row, as a fire in January claimed the life of Evan McCarthur. His mother, Heather McCarthur, expressed shock at the living conditions at the encampment after her son’s death and called for more solutions to address homelessness.
Heather McCarthur described the conditions at the encampment as horrific and emphasized the need for better support for those experiencing homelessness. She mentioned that nobody should have to live in such conditions, even without the added risk of a fire. The tragic events at the tent encampment have highlighted the challenges faced by people without stable housing in the community. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the recent fire to contact the Saint John Police Force at 506-648-3333 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
The deaths of two individuals in the fire at the homeless tent encampment have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of those experiencing homelessness in Saint John. The incidents have prompted calls for increased support and resources to address the root causes of homelessness and provide safer living conditions for vulnerable populations. Authorities are working diligently to investigate the fire and determine its cause, while also reaching out to the community for any information that may aid in the investigation. The tragic events serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by individuals without stable housing in the city and the need for comprehensive solutions to address homelessness.
As the investigation into the fire continues, local residents and organizations are coming together to support those affected by the incident and advocate for change. The deaths at the tent encampment have sparked conversations about the need for better social services, affordable housing, and mental health support for people experiencing homelessness. Community members are calling for a more holistic approach to addressing homelessness, one that recognizes the underlying factors that contribute to housing instability and works to provide long-term solutions for those in need. The tragic event has galvanized efforts to address the systemic issues that perpetuate homelessness and ensure that everyone in the community has access to safe and secure housing.
