A fire at a homeless encampment in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, destroyed a man's belongings on Tuesday (August 5). The fire broke out near the PennDOT Riverfront Office on South Front Street around 4:50 p.m. Firefighters quickly responded and contained the blaze, which spread across a 100-foot by 125-foot area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the man lost everything he owned in the fire.
Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline stated that the fire appeared to be accidental. This incident marks at least the third fire at the encampment this year.
The encampment, often referred to as "tent city," has been the site of multiple fires, including a tragic incident in January when a fire caused by a lit Sterno canister claimed the life of Alfred Colon. The city has been working to relocate the encampment to a new site managed by the nonprofit Amiracle4sure Inc. on South 9th Street. This new location will provide facilities such as cooking areas and portable restrooms for the homeless population.
The ongoing relocation efforts are part of the city's response to an expansion of Interstate 83, which necessitated the move. Despite these efforts, many individuals remain at the original site.