Barrie firefighters were called to an encampment fire Monday night as the city moves forward with plans to dismantle 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.
MacFadden confirmed it was “typical encampment materials on fire,” adding no one was injured.
The blaze, which covered roughly 60 by 40 feet, was brought under control within half an hour. 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.
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.