Evacuation order in effect for folks at tent city in Maple Ridge

MAPLE RIDGE (NEWS 1130) — The folks living at a tent city in Maple Ridge have been ordered evacuated.

About 50 people live in the encampment, and the order says there is imminent danger to lives, because of fire hazards.

Three fires have broken out at the site in the last week.

According to the City of Maple Ridge, a number of propane cylinders were found, and some had exploded from the heat of the fires.

The city says it will be reaching out to BC Housing to find shelter for the campers during the evacuation period.

Last weekend, a number of people were arrested, as police officers and fire crews tried to clear the encampment of electrical connections and fire accelerants, which were barred through a court order.

Meantime, a woman who has befriended people at a tent city in Maple Ridge over the past two years has started to compile a list of the type of comments directed at her and the campers.

Chris Bossley says though she’s used to harsh remarks, they illustrate the severity of the situation.

“There are the most repugnant comments on social media about this issue like “burn it down” and “take a bulldozer to it.”

She says the disturbing comments are not only directed at the camp.

“I’m probably the number one target. I have a few friends and they often say ‘Chris, be careful when you’re out walking,'” she says. “The people making comments have so much time on their hands, and all they do is spend it attacking me. There is not only intolerance from people who spew that vitreol, I think has to do with fear.”

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One man at the camp says despite what neighbours say, the camp is there to stay.

“People are out to get us, there’s vigilantes everywhere. There’s a lot of hate for us,” he says. “We’re not going anywhere. Something’s got to be done about it. This is ridiculous.”

WATCH: Another Fire At Maple Ridge Homeless Camp

 

Mayor Mike Morden has said he wants everyone to stay safe.

“I also ask that people who are frustrated with the situation stay clear of the camp and give our law enforcement and fire professionals the space to do their work,” he says in a press release.

Meanwhile, there is a petition asking the city to remove the camp is gaining steam, with already more than 600 signatures since Friday morning.

One man living in the area says the camp is causing problems for neighbours.

“This is a disaster. It’s a community. We have children around, we have a business here which they always have a problem ever since the camp has been here,” he says.

– With files from CityNews Vancouver