‘It’s not a matter of if a fire is going to happen, it’s when it’s going to happen’: Vancouver fire chief on encampment safety concerns

Speaking at a press conference Wed., Aug. 24, 2022, Vancouver Fire Chief Karen Fry addresses the considerable safety risk officials are seeing in the Hastings Street encampment. She says blocked exits, access to fire department connections, combustible materials against the buildings and propane canisters are specific concerns. She says the fire order is not about removing individuals but the structures and tents.