Another Fire And Explosion At Manchester Homeless Encampment

MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester firefighters responded to the homeless camp under the Amoskeag Bridge on Canal Street for a reported explosion and fire on Wednesday.

On their arrival at just before 10:30 p.m., fire crews had a large amount of fire from one of the tents in the encampment. Several small explosions were occurring on their arrival and while
they were extinguishing the fire.

Manchester Fire Investigators were called to the scene and began an investigation which is still continuing at this time.

Manchester Fire confirmed no one was injured in the fire and the damage was contained to one tent and the items around the tent. On Thursday morning investigators brought in a dog trained in explosive detection due to early reports of fireworks possibly being involved. The MPD K9 after searching the area confirmed there were no explosive materials present in the area.
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The person who was living in the tent fled the area before fire crews arrived, and others in the encampment have been unwilling to identify the person.

Sources indicate there were multiple propane tanks and spray paint cans in the tent. Only one propane tank was compromised but several spray paint cans appear to have exploded in the fire as well as beer cans that exploded under pressure.

At this time the fire remains under investigation. Anyone with information can anonymously call MFD Arson line at Arson Tipline 603-644-FIRE (3473)

Manchester has over 30 homeless encampments spread across the city. Several deaths were reported in the homeless encampments in December.

On Dec. 1, 2020, an adult male was found deceased. At the time of the initial discovery, Manchester police did not believe the death was suspicious.

In an incident on Dec. 2, 2020, the Manchester fire department was called to the boat ramp area where the water level from the Merrimack river had risen flooding many tents, and leaving people stranded. Fire crews rescued the people but no one was hurt in the incident.

On Dec. 5, 2020, a homeless man was found in a tent that had caught on fire and was deceased. That death was investigated by the NH fire Marshal's Office, Manchester police, and fire. Initial investigation shows that it appeared the man died from smoke inhalation from the fire. The cause and origin of the fire continue to be investigated.

On Dec. 26, 2020, a man was found deceased in a homeless encampment along the banks of the Merrimack River. He was later identified as Cody Ferry, 26 who had lived in several encampments across the city.

The boat ramp area was also the location of an incident on Dec. 2, 2020, Manchester fire department was called to the boat ramp area where the water level from the Merrimack river had risen flooding many tents, and leaving people stranded. Fire crews rescued the people but no one was hurt in the incident.