Right before Milford firefighters responded to what became a deadly fire at a homeless encampment last week, police were called to the scene, according to authorities.

PFC Brianna MacDonald told News 12 that just before 11:40 a.m. Friday, officers were sent to a reported breach of peace incident at the encampment in the woods behind the Lowe’s store on Old Gate Lane.

“Someone from the encampment did call and say there was someone yelling and angry, so we responded out there and then, as our officers were behind Lowe’s investigating, they did see flames coming from the wooded area,” MacDonald said.

Those officers then notified dispatch, according to MacDonald.

Fire crews put out the flames, but a member of the encampment was killed. He was identified as 57-year-old Joe Kane.

A fundraising effort for Kane’s funeral expenses stated, "He was a kind soul who touched the lives of so many, always ready for an adventure, thoughtful in his ways, and giving of himself to others. He created countless lifelong memories with his friends and family, and his absence leaves an immeasurable void."

An autopsy was done on Kane, but the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said his cause and manner of death are pending further investigation. That’s, in part, because the fire is considered suspicious.

“We are treating it as a criminal investigation right now,” MacDonald told News 12.

She said there are witness reports that someone intentionally set the fire, and that police are looking into whether the breach of peace incident is connected. The fire also sent two people to the hospital. Both have since been released, according to MacDonald.

“No arrests have been made regarding the incident. Right now, it's still an ongoing investigation,” she explained.

MacDonald said the encampment is made up of several shacks and has been there for well over a decade.

Milford’s Beth-El Center, which works to alleviate homelessness, released the following statement to News 12: “The Beth-El Center continues to work with the victims of the fire to ensure that they have their basic needs met, including shelter, medical services and connection to their support networks. We continue our work towards permanent housing for all involved and ask that folks look to our website for updates within the coming days on how people can directly help.”