One person dead following fires at Sudbury homeless encampment

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Homeless encampment death a homicide: Sudbury police

One killed following suspicious Sudbury tent fires

Police in Greater Sudbury, Ont., say they are investigating two suspicious tent fires at the Energy Court homeless encampment, where one person was found dead early Thursday morning.

Firefighters and paramedics responded around 3:40 a.m. after receiving reports about the fire.

“Upon extinguishing the fires, emergency responders located a deceased individual inside one of the tents,” police said in a news release.

“No other individuals have reported injuries. The deceased individual’s identity is currently unknown. A post-mortem will be conducted through the Coroner’s Office to assist in determining the individual’s identity and the cause of death.”

Police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn told CTV News that police are reviewing surveillance footage in the area as part of the investigation.

Officers are also canvassing the area, hoping to speak with witnesses.

Fires considered suspicious

Energy Court has become the centre of services provided by the city for those struggling to find housing and dealing with addiction.

Another person died in a fire at the encampment in January, prompting officials to allow residents there to have burn barrels.

So far in 2026, six people living in the area have died. Evie Ali of the Go Give project, which provides services to residents of the encampment, said the death is hitting them hard, especially since it’s the second fatality in 24 hours.

“There were a lot of witnesses this time,” Ali said.

“A lot of people (were) exposed to the aftermath, as well as the incident taking place. So we’re really just trying to hold that space for community members to grieve, access supports if they need to, and just working with the city to do what we can to make sure that everybody is as OK as they can be.”

Rising temperatures, rising tensions

She said rising temperatures are increasing tensions among those living at Energy Court, which could use a much larger indoor space.

“We’re seeing extreme congestion with the encampments in the Energy Court area and a reduction in that is going to reduce the number of incidents that are taking place,” Ali said.

“This is the second instance this year that we’ve had back-to-back deaths ... So that always takes its toll. And again, just the nature of the incidents. We’re looking at drug poisonings and violence and it’s just a scary time for everybody in our community ... especially those that are just trying to survive in the encampments.”

“Officers remain on scene and there will be a police presence at Energy Court throughout the day,” the police said.

“Detectives in the major crime section are working in collaboration with the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office to determine the cause of the fire.”

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 705-222-8477.