FARGO — In early September,

Fargo leaders created a camping ordinance

and eliminated illegal homeless camps.

Fargo Fire Department crews have since been called to several recreational fires at homeless encampments and requested removal of at least one of the camps.

“We would like the camp removed” was heard in emergency scanner traffic following a fire near the First Avenue North bridge on Friday, Oct. 25, where firefighters extinguished a kitchen fire without surveillance that had spread through the homeless campsite.

“There’s a homeless encampment here, this is the second fire incident we’ve had here in about a week,” the scanner’s audio system continues.

Fargo Fire Department officials say they responded to four fires at homeless camps, three of which were illegal during red flag warnings when burning is prohibited and where camping is prohibited.

“Where there is one or more crews available, they should, if they are able to come in and work on enforcing the camping ban here,” said Ryan Erickson, fire marshal with the Fargo Fire Department.

Asked if anyone had been cited for Friday’s fire and if the encampment had been removed, the department said “no” but declined a further interview on the subject.

The department posted flyers at riverside camps warning of campfires.

“We have flyers and we work with the Downtown Engagement Center, you know, to provide them with information,” Erickson said.

The harm reduction team that works with the homeless said its outreach team reviews the camping and fire policy with everyone they come into contact with.