A fire broke out at Musgrave Park in West End on Monday, October 14, 2024, destroying a tent that was part of a major homeless camp. Emergency services responded to the incident just before 11:15 AM.
Upon arrival at the corner of Russell and Cordelia Streets, fire crews found the tent engulfed in flames. A Queensland Fire Department spokesman reported that the blaze was quickly extinguished and brought under control, but the tent was completely destroyed.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The occupant of the tent, who was not present during the fire, returned to find his shelter and possessions gone. He reported being out to get a new phone after his previous one had been stolen. The man expressed distress over the loss, stating that the tent contained all his belongings and served as a living space shared with a friend.
The resident missed a scheduled job training session at the QA Hotel due to the loss of contact information stored on his phone.
Other residents of the tent city commented on the severity of the loss, emphasising that the destroyed tent represented the man’s home and all his possessions.
In response to the fire, the Fire Investigation Unit was on scene to determine the cause. Staff from Brisbane City Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works were also present.
The Department of Housing spokesperson confirmed that the Brisbane Critical Response Team had returned to Musgrave Park following their routine morning visit. They aim to offer support to those affected by the fire, including temporary accommodation and connections to support services.
This incident occurs in the context of ongoing discussions about homelessness in Brisbane. Earlier this year, over 70 people living in tents at Musgrave Park were relocated ahead of the Paniyiri Greek Festival, a move that sparked controversy.
Published 14-October-2024
