Last massive encampment in Barrie Ont. cleaned out

For the 30th time in six months, fire crews responded to a fire at the encampment near Milligan's Pond in Barrie.

Barrie firefighters were called to an encampment fire Monday night as the city moves forward with dismantling several makeshift sites, including the one at Milligan’s Pond.

Deputy Fire Chief Eric MacFadden said crews were called to the wooded area off Boys Street around 9 p.m. after flames were spotted in what appeared to be an abandoned campsite.

“Fires in encampments pose a serious risk to the people living there, as well as to nearby properties and first responders,” said Deputy Fire Chief Eric MacFadden of Barrie Fire and Emergency Services.

“Encampments like the one at Milligan’s Pond tend to have a number of hazardous materials on site,” MacFadden said.

“Open flames and makeshift heating devices create a high risk of fires spreading quickly. When our fire crews got on scene last night, the fire was about 60 feet by 30 feet.”

For the 30th time in the last six months, crews responded to an encampment fire.

Two fire trucks responded to the call, and Barrie’s Environmental Services department was notified as a precaution. McFadden said the Ministry of the Environment was not required to attend, and the site has since been cleared.

Police say a 58-year-old male was arrested on outstanding warrants, a drug possession charge, and a weapons charge. He was held for a bail hearing.

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Two Barrie residents showed up at the pond today to offer assistance to the homeless people who camp there.

“So I showed up this morning because I have some friends who are staying in the encampment and I wanted to get them breakfast as well as connect with them as far as where I can find them after this eviction,” Sarah Tilley

Barrie resident Debbie Boudreau said she is trying to find out where people are going so that she can continue to help them.

“The weather is getting colder so they are going to need some support,” Boudreau said.

The fire comes at a time when the city continues to enforce its emergency order aimed at addressing homelessness and encampments throughout Barrie.

Recently, “No Admittance” signs have gone up around Milligan’s Pond, where security now limits access to the site.

According to the city, coordinated efforts between Barrie Fire, the County of Simcoe, Barrie Police, and city bylaw officers are part of an ongoing process to dismantle encampments while connecting displaced individuals with support and housing.

In response to the fire and in collaboration with Simcoe County, Barrie has closed the Milligan’s Pond encampment, while offering its inhabitants alternate shelter and support.

“We are thankful that no one was injured in the recent fire. Fires like these put lives in danger and destroy the natural spaces our community values. We are working every day with our partners to connect people to shelter, support, and safety, because no one should be living in these conditions. We are here to help if you want help,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall.

“If not, it is time to move on and allow this area to be restored for the safety of everyone.”

Earlier this week, Simcoe County released new information about a 40-bed modular home facility that is expected to open in the coming weeks for those living in unsheltered areas in Barrie.

Nuttall declared a State of Emergency on September 9 to address encampments across Barrie as the number and size continued to grow and cause significant risk and harm.

With files from Rob Cooper and Cheryl Browne