SOUTH PORTLAND — Authorities in South Portland have torn down a homeless encampment in a wooded area near a shopping center, saying it was a health hazard.

Crews on Wednesday piled up cardboard boxes and other items that the homeless had used at the camp behind Mallside Plaza, and then the fire department set the pile ablaze.

Authorities said the camp was strewn with trash and infested with rodents. Joe Lydon, property manager for Mallside Plaza, said it appears as if occupants had been eating food thrown out by a nearby restaurant.

It was unclear how many people lived there. No one was there when it was destroyed.

Advocates for the homeless say it’s not unusual for small groups of homeless people to congregate for security and companionship.