Tent fires, violence still an issue around Downtown Eastside encampment, say VPD and fire officials

Vancouver police and fire department officials say things have settled down after a tent camp was cleared-off the sidewalks of East Hastings Street, but street violence and fires remain a risk to public safety in the Downtown Eastside.

Both violent incidents and tent fires have trended downward in recent weeks, ever since Vancouver Fire Rescue Services issued an emergency order to dismantle the encampment on April 5.

“We’ve seen signs that safety conditions are improving throughout the encampment area, however tents and structures are still a risk to the community,” said Vancouver police Sgt. Steve Addison in a news release. “Some crimes are down, but our officers continue to encounter an alarming number of weapons in the area.”

Police and city workers cleared much of the encampment three weeks ago after a chaotic start to the year, during which firefighters were called-out to 143 outdoor fires in the area, including 15 tent fires and four that resulted in injuries.