Massive Fire Engulfs Minneapolis Encampment, Leaving Two Injured
ICARO Media Group
In a terrifying incident on Thursday, a distressing video captured a rapid-spreading fire that tore through an encampment located on the 1100 block of East 28th Street in Minneapolis. The Minneapolis fire officials confirmed that they promptly responded to the emergency, where two individuals sustained non-life threatening injuries.
The harrowing video, shared with WCCO, depicts people at the encampment desperately scrambling to salvage their belongings and flee from the advancing blaze as it rapidly consumed one yurt after another. Panic filled the air as individuals shouted for everyone to evacuate, cautioning about the potential explosion of propane tanks.
The footage, filmed by John Gonzalez, revealed that approximately 20 yurts were present at the encampment, housing an estimated 60 to 100 people. Gonzalez later recounted hearing the alarming sound of propane tanks detonating. As the fire raged on, a thick plume of smoke engulfed the sky, an ominous reminder of the magnitude of the inferno.
Gonzalez somberly proclaimed, "The camp is gone - completely ablaze," describing the extent of the devastation caused by the fire. Aerial footage conducted at 1 p.m. showed that the flames had been mostly extinguished, with diligent fire crews working to address any remaining hot spots.
The incident follows the recent eviction of Camp Nenookaasi in south Minneapolis by city crews earlier this month. This marked the third time in four weeks that the city had displaced the migrating residents from their makeshift homes. City leaders emphasized health and safety concerns as the primary reasons for clearing the camp. However, organizers, residents, and supporters of the encampment criticized the city for closing it without offering a viable alternative plan. At one point, the camp provided shelter for over 100 individuals.
The aftermath of the Minneapolis encampment fire demonstrates the ongoing challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness in the city, further highlighting the urgent need for compassionate and comprehensive solutions. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident, residents and officials are left to search for ways to address the dire circumstances faced by vulnerable individuals seeking shelter.
Please note: Additional details regarding the cause of the fire and any subsequent actions taken by authorities were not provided in the given information.