MINNEAPOLIS — A controversial homeless encampment burned to the ground in Minneapolis Thursday, causing minor injuries and leaving several people again looking for shelter. A few hours later, Minneapolis officials held a news conference about the fire with Mayor Jacob Frey saying his administration has “deep concerns about the prevalence and size” of encampments in the city.
Multiple units were dispatched to the 1100 block of E. 28th Street shortly after noon on reports of a fire. A KARE 11 Skycam showed a large plume of smoke rising into the sky from the site. Minneapolis Fire called a second alarm just after 12:20 p.m. to summon another engine and additional firefighters.
According to Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner, two people reported minor injuries — one with minor burns and another with smoke inhalation. Tyner added that the Red Cross was called to assist in finding shelter for the people at the encampment. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.
"We are very happy that there were no fatalities here," said Margaret Anderson Kelliher with the Minneapolis Department of Public Works. "This is a very dangerous situation and no serious injuries."
Images from SKY 11 show an empty city lot blackened, with the remnants of makeshift shelters the only things recognizable. A construction worker named Mike Thurmer tells KARE 11 that his crew arrived to put siding on a nearby home, saw a couple of structures burning, and called 911. He says 30 seconds later flames were leaping about 100 feet into the sky.
Thurmer estimated he saw 40 to 60 residents of the encampment fleeing the flames. He then sprinted to a home next door to the burning lot and told residents to evacuate. He says a large brush pile caught fire and heard nearby propane tanks hissing. Eventually, they exploded.
"Not good for the people who are already down and out," Thurmer said.
A leader of the Standing Bear Network told KARE 11's Jennifer Hoff the Nenookaasi encampment was actually home to around 100 people. A camera crew was conducting interviews with those staying there when the fire ignited.
The Nenookaasi encampment has a controversial history, with the city evicting residents and their belongings from at least two previous sites. Police say the encampment has been the site of shootings, drug trafficking and other illegal activities while encampment organizers and advocates say their village allows residents — many of who are Native American — to pursue sobriety and improve their lives on their own terms.
The city of Minneapolis confirmed the fire in a social media post, advising people to avoid the area. The post later said two people were treated on scene for minor injuries.
Anderson Kelliher said the city plans to work with community partners to help find more stable shelter for the people at the encampment.
"This is not the best way for people who are in need to be living in an outdoor space, but we also recognize that we have an obligation to offer support, so we are doing that," Anderson Kelliher said.
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