Another Homeless Encampment Discovered in Cobourg

Pete Fisher
2 years ago
• Categories: Editor Choice, Local

Another homeless encampment was discovered after Cobourg Fire Department responded to a grass fire on Friday, October 28, 2022.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services along with Cobourg Fire Department responded to a reported grass fire on Highway 401.

The exact location wasn’t immediately known so both fire departments responded.

Cobourg Fire Department discovered a unattended campfire and numerous tents just east of Burnham Street, south of Highway 401.

Captain Gene Stroeder said crews doused the unattended campfire and checked the surrounding area for anyone.

There were a number of tents and with that a number of concerns that were clearly visible fire hazards.

“It looked inside some of the tents, it looked like there were candles, some cigarette paraphernalia along with drug paraphernalia,” said Stroeder.

Stroeder said it appeared to be a candle next to the side of the tent along with cigarette butts. If the tent ever caught fire with somebody in them it could cause serious injury or even death.

Especially with no early warning detection if anyone was asleep.

Stroeder has previously been at a tent that caught fire at a homeless encampment and said, “there wasn’t much remaining and that went up so quickly.”

The unattended campfire was also a concern given the dry conditions.

“With the winds we have right now, things are really dry.”

If a spark from the fire ignited nearby leaves, Stroeder said it could have been, “a large brush fire.”