VANCOUVER – Fire officials are warning campers at the Occupy Vancouver site to stop using open flames and propane tanks in order to prevent a potentially deadly situation.
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service Capt. Gabe Roder says occupants have ignored an earlier order by the fire chief, who banned fuels of any kind at the downtown camp.
He says an order will also be issued Friday for occupants to remove all tarp enclosures and unoccupied tents and space out tents to eliminate or reduce the chance of fire spreading between them.
The move came after fire crews and paramedics had trouble getting into the site to treat a man suffering a drug overdose Thursday.
The man survived because a medic was on duty at the camp, where protesters also tried to bar the media and ended up scuffling with reporters trying to cover the incident.
Roder says emergency personnel discovered two propane tanks in the enclosed area and it would have been difficult for firefighters to perform rescue duties if there had been a fire.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
About The Reporter
