A homeless camp on the outskirts of Hobart’s CBD has been engulfed in a fire overnight, damaging a nearby heritage-listed tree.
Firefighters were called to St David’s Park just after 8:30pm on Wednesday to find a tent and various other items alight.
The base of the tree and remnants of the camp, including a tent and scooter, were left charred in the blaze.
Multiple personal belongings, including clothes and bags, were also destroyed in the fire.
Police say one person was taken into custody following the blaze, telling Pulse it was an ‘isolated incident’ between two people residing at the camp.
They said following earlier investigations and discussions with the complainant, the matter will not be progressed.
The tree was at the centre of controversy last year when the City of Hobart placed large rocks around it in an attempt to prevent damage to the park’s trees by the homeless.
Just last week, the council said they were working with the Salvation Army to “assist a person experiencing homelessness” who was living in the park.
“After the removal of belongings, there is an amount of debris remaining at the site that requires removal, including some potentially hazardous items,” Acting City of Hobart CEO Neil Noye said.
“Therefore, for the safety of the community and City of Hobart staff, a small excavator and truck will be used … to safely remove the debris left behind.”
