(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Two fires in homeless encampments in Uptown over the past few weeks have prompted 46th Ward Ald. James Cappleman to address the issue next week.
A newsletter from Cappleman said exploding propane tanks are a problem. But Tom Gordon — the man who calls himself the mayor of the Uptown Homeless Community — is not a fan of the alderman and disagrees the tanks are an issue.
“People say propane exploded down here. No, it didn’t. Because I was standing right here while everything was burning,” he told WBBM Newsradio on Tuesday.
Gordon has lived in a tent under Lake Shore Drive since 2016, he said.
“Last night it was cold. But I was able to get us propane gas. Because we have heaters, and people know how to use them. Because we show you how to use them and tell you not to turn it up all the way.
“Because if you turn it up too far, you will burn up your tent.”
Ald. Cappleman said fire officials told him propane tanks exploded during the two recent fires and "exacerbated" the fires. His webinar on homelessness is Tuesday evening. More information here.
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