Fire destroys one tent, belongings at homeless camp next to Aberdeen City Hall

No people injured, three kittens with minor injuries rescued from the scene

By Dan Hammock • April 2, 2021 4:35 pm
COURTESY AMY BLEDSOE Amy Bledsoe of Montesano captured this image of a fire at the Aberdeen homeless camp next to City Hall Thursday morning.
COURTESY AMY BLEDSOE Amy Bledsoe of Montesano captured this image of a fire at the Aberdeen homeless camp next to City Hall Thursday morning.

Flames and smoke were visible Thursday morning above the fence surrounding the homeless tent camp adjacent to Aberdeen City Hall as one tent was lost to a fire.

The Aberdeen Fire Department and Aberdeen Police Department were called to the report of a tent on fire in the camp, also known as the Temporary Alternative Shelter Location (TASL) camp, just before 7 a.m.

Assistant Aberdeen Fire Chief Rich Malizia said no people were injured. The Aberdeen Police Department posted a few hours later that three kittens — which suffered minor injuries — were rescued from the fire.

A total of 10 Aberdeen firefighters — two fire engines, the battalion chief and a medic unit — responded to the fire.

Dark-colored smoke was reported from East Aberdeen, what sounded like explosions were reported by the 911 caller, and some photos showed 20-foot flames visible over the fence around the camp. Photos on social media showed burned propane tanks and pallets inside the fenced-area. A tarp was placed back over the fence shortly after the fire.

A news release Thursday morning said that the fire was contained to one tent and belongings in the fenced area.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.

COURTESY ABERDEEN FIRE DEPARTMENT The Thursday morning fire at the Aberdeen homeless camp next to City Hall was contained to one tent, according to the Aberdeen Fire Department.

COURTESY ABERDEEN FIRE DEPARTMENT The Thursday morning fire at the Aberdeen homeless camp next to City Hall was contained to one tent, according to the Aberdeen Fire Department.

COURTESY ABERDEEN POLICE DEPARTMENT Three kittens were rescued from the fire at the Aberdeen homeless tent camp next to City Hall Thursday morning. Sgt. Art Laur holds one of the kittens.

COURTESY ABERDEEN POLICE DEPARTMENT Three kittens were rescued from the fire at the Aberdeen homeless tent camp next to City Hall Thursday morning. Sgt. Art Laur holds one of the kittens.

COURTESY ABERDEEN POLICE DEPARTMENT Three kittens were rescued from the fire at the Aberdeen homeless tent camp next to City Hall Thursday morning. Sgt. Art Laur holds one of the kittens.

COURTESY ABERDEEN POLICE DEPARTMENT Three kittens were rescued from the fire at the Aberdeen homeless tent camp next to City Hall Thursday morning. Sgt. Art Laur holds one of the kittens.