City Aims to Improve Safety After 4 Fire-Related Deaths in Edmonton Homeless Community – Edmonton | The Canadian News

The City of Edmonton says it is working with partners to increase the safety of the city’s most vulnerable following the deaths of four homeless people in fire-related situations in recent months.

The most recent death occurred Wednesday morning, when the body of a man was found in an abandoned building following a fire in the McCauley neighborhood. Fire crews were called to the building at the corner of 95 Street and 106 Avenue shortly after 4 a.m.

In a news release Friday afternoon, the city said there have been four fire-related deaths this fall involving the homeless. The other three occurred in the past two months and include a person who entered a former lodging house downtown, a person who, according to the city, intentionally entered a locked dumpster, and a person seeking shelter. at a campsite.

“This is a tragedy,” said Rob McAdam, deputy fire chief for public safety.

“The safety of all Edmonton citizens is, and continues to be, our top priority at Edmonton Fire Rescue. The homeless face unique fire hazards. Firefighters and our community partners must develop prevention efforts to ensure optimal safety for all Edmontonians. “

There are currently about 2,800 people in the city without a permanent home, according to the city. About 1,200 of those people sleep outdoors or in shelters on any given night.

Those who live on the streets of Edmonton may seek refuge in campgrounds, abandoned buildings, or other structures, which can be dangerous.

The city said it is working with several outside partners to develop ways to improve fire safety for Edmonton’s vulnerable residents.

Edmonton Fire Rescue is also working on ways to reduce unoccupied property fire-related incidents.