The City of Regina had scheduled a meeting for this afternoon to discuss the homeless encampment at City Hall but it was cancelled due to lack of quorum and then Regina Fire and Protective Services announced the encampment was being shut down for safety reasons.

Fire Chief Layne Jackson says there was a fire this morning (Thurs) and a tent was destroyed. It was a fully involved fire which consumed the tent and its contents. Jackson says, “Thankfully there were no fatalities or injuries, but it was a very close call.”

The Fire Department was called to three fires at the encampment over the last five days. The Fire Chief states that fire inspectors have been on site since the encampment first began to ensure fire safety regulations are respected, but compliance has been unachievable. He says, “I am convinced that decommissioning the camp is the best and only response to the imminent safety risk threatening the lives of those living on the City Hall Courtyard.”

A news release from the City of Regina says City Hall is closed to the public today and tomorrow while the camp is decommissioned and wil reopen when the work is done. (CKRM)