Nobody hurt after fire at homeless camp in North Central yard

Nobody is hurt after a fire broke out in the backyard of an abandoned home in Regina’s North Central.

The Regina fire marshal on the scene said there was likely a homeless encampment in the yard where the fire broke out. (Abby Zieverink/980 CJME)

980 CJME spoke to Jordan Smith, who lives across the street from the yard where the fire broke out on Friday morning near Rae Street and Eighth Avenue. She said her son alerted her about the blaze.

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“He ran and was screaming, ‘Fire! Fire! Fire!'” Smith explained.

“I ran immediately to the spot, removing as much debris as possible, so (the house) wouldn’t catch on fire, thinking that no one’s in there, just  really hoping.”

Jordan Smith said more than 10 people had moved into the backyard of the abandoned home over the past four days. (Abby Zieverink/980 CJME)

She said the flames behind the boarded-up house were around eight feet high.

“Ablaze… that is the best description I can paint, is ablaze,” Smith said.

She said firefighters arrived quickly and were able to put out the fire.

Smith said more than 10 people had moved into the backyard of the abandoned home over the past four days.

“They put a gazebo up, put all their tarps, blankets and everything, and today it’s on fire,” Smith said.

“We’ve called the police multiple times to get them removed, in fear of a fire, because usually most encampments end up in fires.”

The Regina fire marshal on the scene said there was likely a homeless encampment in the yard.

Smith said she hopes something is done about the encampments in the city.

“They’re not safe for anyone,” she said.