N.B. community devastated by the deaths of two unhoused people in tent fire
Community members in Saint John, N.B., say they are devastated after two people died in a tent fire at a homeless encampment on Monday -- the second and third unhoused people to be killed by fire this year in the same area.
Johanne McCullough, director of Street Team Saint John, said Tuesday that members of her organization and those living in tents are heartbroken and shaken by the recent deaths of two "lovely" people.
"These people had dreams and hopes and aspirations, and they were working on bettering themselves and this cut all that short," said McCullough, whose group provides food and other basic necessities to unhoused people in the city.
"They had plans, and I mean that literally," she said. "They were planning on moving out of town tomorrow. I have a pile of supplies at my house for them because they were going to be travelling together to a new city tomorrow."
McCullough said the two people killed in the fire were well-known in the community of unhoused people and housing advocates, adding that their deaths have had a far-reaching impact in the Saint John area and beyond. They both leave behind parents and family members who love them, she added.
Saint John Police Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Weir said in an interview Tuesday the cause of the fire is under investigation and the names of the deceased will not be released until police have notified their families.
The two people were found dead in a tent on Paradise Row. On Jan. 6 a 44-year-old man died after suffering serious burns in a tent fire in the same area by the on-ramp of a highway.
Some unhoused people, McCullough said, rely on candles, propane cylinders and butane stoves to stay warm inside tents on cold nights.
"There is no safe heat source from a flame in a tent because everything around you is highly flammable," she said. "But the other option is to be cold and freeze."
Tent fires have been reported in cities across Canada this winter, and have resulted in deaths in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and New Brunswick. Advocates say tent fires will only increase as the number of people experiencing homelessness rises.
A study of 11 Canadian communities conducted by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness found that chronic homelessness had risen 40 per cent between February 2020 and October 2023. The group estimates there are between 260,000 and 300,000 unhoused people across the country.
McCullough said the deaths serve as a reminder that much more needs to be done to help unhoused people get into adequate, safe indoor housing options.
"We can keep getting them blankets, sleeping bags, fire-suppression supplies and CO2 monitors, we can try to keep them safe and dry and warm. But at the end of the day, they need a solid structure above their heads," she said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 26, 2024.
For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG
The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.