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A man died after a propane heater set his tent on fire in a homeless encampment in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, last Friday (December 5). The fire occurred in a "pop-up" encampment near South Cameron Street, not in the city's designated lot for the homeless, Amiracle Community. The man was trying to warm himself when the heater caught fire, igniting his tent and causing severe burns. He was taken to Penn State Health Holy Spirit Hospital, where he died on Monday (December 8), according to Local 21 News.
Harrisburg police reported that the fire department did not initially respond, as the incident was reported as a medical call for a burn victim. This marks the second death of a homeless person in Harrisburg this year due to a tent fire. Earlier in January, another man died after a similar incident involving canned fuel gel.
PennLive reported that overnight cold-weather shelters have been open since December 1 across central Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg, to provide warmth for those in need. However, shelters have rules that residents must follow to stay overnight. The man's identity has not been released, and local outreach groups are in contact with his family.