Minneapolis Tent City Catches On Fire: Photos, Video

MINNEAPOLIS — Multiple tents caught on fire Monday afternoon in the Minneapolis tent city. The blaze began at the homeless encampment near 26th Street and Hiawatha Avenue, according to the Minneapolis Fire Department.

The bulk of the fire had been extinguished using hand lines by 3:20 p.m.

South Minneapolis Crime Watch and Information reports that propane tanks exploded in the incident. However, investigators are not yet sure if that's what caused the blaze.

One person was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, according to KARE 11.

The Wall of Forgotten Natives

The tent city — located near the American Indian Center — has been called "The Wall of Forgotten Natives" because many of its residents are Native American.

In late September, the Minneapolis City Council approved a site in south Minneapolis for a temporary "navigation center" that will provide services environment for people living at the encampment.

City staff will work with community and government partners to establish the center at 2109 Cedar Avenue, a 1.25-acre site that includes parcels owned by the Red Lake Nation and the city. The goal is to open the center this fall.

Until the center opens, there are no plans to close the encampment. Read more about the Minneapolis Tent City.

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Photo by Renee Schiavone/Patch