BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Police Department dispatch began receiving calls around 7:20 p.m. Tuesday about a large fire with possible explosions at a homeless encampment.
Firefighters responding to a ridge between two railroad tracks east of North Adams Street. The location could only be accessed on foot, hindering efforts to battle the blaze. Instead, firefighters used backpack water tanks for over an hour to extinguish the fire.
According to Bloomington Police Capt. Ryan Pedigo, a 35-year-old man, reported returning to his campsite to find it engulfed in flames. The man lost all his belongings in the blaze. His dog is also still missing.
The fire is believed to have been intentionally set.
The investigation remains ongoing. At this time, officials are asking for additional witnesses or information to assist with the investigation.
