When we originally reported on the second encampment fire on the city’s east end which occurred March 14, online response stated, we didn’t have the full story. Stating, there was more to it according to individuals impacted.
Over the next two weeks we have spoken with people impacted and involved in the incident that evening. We’ve looked at evidence provided from those individuals and spoke with both RCMP and Lloydminster Fire Rescue officials further.
When speaking with individuals who were affected by the blaze, they stated a few things. One, they have been constantly harassed by a group of individuals in pick-up trucks, never causing serious trouble, but enough to definitely cross the line of harassment.
On the night of the fire, two individuals at the scene stated they saw a small black vehicle leave the area, after after hearing a large bang, allegedly from throwing an incendiary device at one of the tents in the encampment.
Multiple individuals from the encampment worked to extinguish the fire, none of them called 911.
They also expressed concerns on the response of LFR that evening, stating “They stayed back in the field and watched it burn.” However, they also credited firefighters for their quick response for the fire on the previous morning.
They also said they handed over some evidence to a member of the fire department either during or shortly after the blaze.
In response, we reached out to LFR for response times and explanations for that evenings call.
Officials from the department provided the following statement by email:
“Lloydminster Fire Rescue was dispatched to a grass and brush fire at an encampment near 40 Avenue and 52 Street on March 14 at 10:26 p.m,
Two engines and one command unit responded. The first arriving unit became stuck in the field and was unable to access the scene. An officer proceeded on foot and directed the second unit to an alternate access route. A tow truck was required to assist the first engine.
The second engine arrived at 10:36 p.m., with water applied to the fire by 10:39 p.m. Crews brought the fire under control, and all units were cleared from the scene by 11:24 p.m.
No injuries were reported and emergency medical services were not requested.
An individual at the encampment indicated they believed the fire may have been started by an item thrown from a passing vehicle. Fire crews directed the individual to report this information to the RCMP. No incendiary devices were presented to firefighters.”
That device was presented to The Border Pulse, and retired police officer on the day we attended the camp with the assistance of support agency’s. We were told they also attempted to provide it to RCMP as instructed.
In a conversation with Lloydminster RCMP senior staff, after reviewing both body camera footage as well as investigation notes, at no time were these accusations brought to the attention of attending members that evening.
They also encouraged anyone who had further information about the incident to come forward and speak with members.
