Wiikwemikong woman found dead at Energy Court; city updates fire safety

Amanda Nahwegahbow, 38, was found dead in a tent at the Energy Court encampment after a reported fire; Sudbury police say the cause is under investigation. City officials say they have revised their approach to fires at the site to allow contained burn barrels under monitored conditions and added more fire extinguishers.

Amanda Nahwegahbow, 38, a mother of three and member of Wiikwemikong First Nation, was found dead late Monday night in a tent at the Energy Court homeless encampment after a fire was reported. Family and community members held a vigil where relatives described her as vibrant and spiritful. Sudbury police say emergency crews were called just before 10 p.m., and people at the site had put out flames before Nahwegahbow was discovered. The cause of the fire and the circumstances of her death remain under investigation. Known details: - Emergency crews were called just before 10 p.m. after a fire was reported at a tent; people at the site extinguished the flames and Nahwegahbow was later found inside. - The investigation is ongoing, with police working alongside the coroner's office and the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office. - City officials say they have revised how fires are handled at Energy Court, permitting contained burn barrels under specific conditions with monitoring, and have increased fire extinguishers at the nearby warming centre. Summary: The death has prompted mourning in the community and renewed attention to fire safety at the encampment. City officials describe recent changes intended to balance fire safety with residents' need for warmth. Investigations by police, the coroner's office and the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office are ongoing. Undetermined at this time.