Concord Firefighters Sent To Homeless Camp Fire: Watch

CONCORD, NH — A report of smoke in the area of the Merrimack River kept Concord firefighters busy searching for a fire Tuesday and, eventually, they were able to find it.

Just before 8:15 a.m., capital region dispatch took a call for a report of black smoke in the area of the Everett Arena. The call came from Concord police, according to the dispatcher.

The report of smoke in the area was not a surprise to firefighters since there are a number of homeless camps at the boat launch behind the arena on state property. A number of years ago, the camps were cleared from the area after lawsuits and skirmishing about responsibility for the area between the city and state. During the past year or so, the camps have come back.

A few minutes later though, dispatch reported the fire might be on the opposite of the river behind the Shaw's Supermarket. Engine 7, after arriving to the area, confirmed the fire was at the Fort Eddy Plaza not the arena.

"Yeah," the firefighter said, "it looks like it is going to be behind Shaw's. If you could start forestry … it looks like the homeless camp is on fire."

When they arrived, firefighters were able to quickly knock down the camp fire, which had not spread far, and later, cleared the area.

NEWSCAM 603 posted video on YouTube.com.

Homeless camp fires have been a problem around the city for many months especially during drought conditions this spring, summer, and fall, where fires easily spread. City officials are working with the state to try and find solutions to the long-term housing, substance abuse, and mental health problems in New Hampshire that have been exacerbated since the coronavirus pandemic.

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