Homeless Encampment Under I-35 In Duluth Catches Fire Again

DULUTH, Minn. – Fire ignited under I-35 in downtown Duluth Wednesday in the exact location a homeless encampment caught on fire just three months ago.

Duluth firefighters were called to the scene during the 1 o’clock hour Wednesday near Exit 256-A for Mesaba Avenue and Superior Street.

A spokesperson for the fire department said the bulk of the fire was quickly extinguished and crews were locating hot spots.

Deb Holman, a homeless outreach coordinator for CHUM and the Human Development Center, told FOX 21 that at least one camp site was destroyed. “They lost everything,” Holman said.

The official cause of the fire was not yet reported by the city, as of 3 p.m.

But a city spokesperson said “witnesses reported to fire officials that many squatters had been camping under the structure where the fire originated” and that “a variety of debris was found beneath the structure including a mattress, several pallets, and a variety of personal items.”

Nobody was located or injured when crews arrived.

MnDOT was also on scene to inspect the bridge’s condition, as they did back on Oct. 18 for the first fire.

“MnDOT has been conducting clean ups in the encampment area and working with social service agencies to move the residents,” said Margie Nelson, public affairs coordinator for MnDOT. “The quantity of items and winter conditions have not allowed us to close off the area yet, and we are looking into long-term access control. MnDOT inspectors are currently assessing the bridge’s condition.”

This fire comes as another highlight to the homeless problem in Duluth, as temperatures dip into dangerously cold air Wednesday night with wind chill numbers flirting with -50 and temperatures around -20, according to FOX 21 Chief Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli.

The city of Duluth released the following statement involving the homeless needs right now:

“The Duluth Fire Department encourages those in need of shelter to use the services at CHUM located at 120 North 1st Avenue West. CHUM’s Drop – In Center is open 24 hours a day. The Warming Center is also available between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. at the Rainbow Center. The DTA is providing free rides to and from the Warming Center to anyone in need of temporary shelter”

For information on Duluth’s Warming Center, click here.