Against bone-chilling cold, Jose Ismael squatted next to a makeshift campfire within the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary in St. Paul on Wednesday, contemplating where he and dozens of others living in the sprawling tent encampment around him would end up the next day.

The city of St. Paul on Thursday cleared a homeless encampment near the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. As previously reported, the “process of closing the encampment” began on Jan. 7, according to a city spokesperson.

On Thursday, city crews cleared the encampment by Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, citing concerns over safety, fire danger and cleanliness.

Notice to vacate orders were posted Tuesday on every tent in the encampment off Payne Avenue and East Seventh Street.