DANGER FOR TENT DWELLERS
Makeshift heaters spark concerns
People sleeping in tents in Oppenheimer Park say they’re using blankets, tarps and sweaters to batten down for a cold snap, but city officials are concerned some may be putting themselves and others in danger by turning to makeshift heating equipment instead.
Since February, Vancouver firefighters have counted 20 fires in the park, despite a fire chief’s order banning open flames, portable electronic heating devices, propane and other fuel sources inside of tents.
Both the city and the Vancouver park board say they’re “deeply concerned” about the safety and well-being of the roughly 50 people sleeping at the park, particularly as the temperature drops.
The forecast for Vancouver calls for overnight temperatures to reach freezing on Wednesday and drop to -5 C by Saturday, before returning to 2 C on Monday.
The cold weather will be accompanied by blustery, chilling winds, according to a special weather alert.
The city said in an emailed statement that compliance to the fire chief’s order at the park has been “limited” and that Vancouver Fire Rescue Services has reported increasingly dangerous and life-threatening situations in the park.
“The city recognizes that the weather is worsening and this is leading to people taking dangerous measures to try and stay warm,” the city said.
Last week, firefighters found a pair of 30-pound propane tanks with improper hosepipes — attached by masking tape — being used to fuel an open-flame grill inside a tent.
“This setup had already burnt the tent and could have caused a significant explosion in the park,” the city warned.
But people sleeping at the park said they’re mostly relying on blankets, tarps and extra layers of clothing to protect themselves from the cold and wind.
“It’s freezing ” at night, said Josh Miller, who has slept in a tent at the park for about six weeks. Miller said he has been using candles to keep warm and sleeps under five blankets.
“I’ve got no heater right now,” Miller said.
“Layers, like two pairs of socks, two pairs of pants. It’s basically two hoodies, a sweater, a shirt, a vest and a jacket. I sleep in almost everything.”
Local service providers, including Carnegie Centre outreach workers, have offered to help Miller find somewhere better to sleep but he plans to “tough it out” and stay put when the temperature drops, he said.
Meantime, the city, park board and police are urging people at the park to access one of more than 300 shelter beds open for the winter months.
Sgt. Aaron Roed said Vancouver police have been sending officers and a homeless outreach coordinator to encourage people living in the park to enter shelters and warming centres for the duration of the cold snap.