Homeless Encampments Fueling Fire Crisis in Los Angeles, Investigations Reveal
Los Angeles is experiencing a fire crisis linked directly to its growing homeless population, with thousands of blazes annually traced back to encampments. Despite mounting evidence, city officials appear reluctant to acknowledge the problem, according to investigations by local journalists and fire department officials.
Tragedy in Venice Sparks Public Outcry
One of the most shocking examples of this crisis occurred in April 2021 in Venice, California. Dr. Courtney Gillenwater’s home was engulfed in flames in the middle of the night, killing her dog, Togo. Neighbors desperately tried to break in and rescue the animal, but the fire had spread too fast.
While early reports from firefighters suggested arson, city officials later backtracked, stating there was “no evidence that indicates the involvement of a person experiencing homelessness.”
Gillenwater and other neighbors, however, are convinced the fire was set by homeless individuals who had taken over a dumpster behind her home, a problem she had repeatedly reported to city officials.
“Anyone can see the correlation between homeless encampments and the rise of fires,” said Francesca Padilla, a neighbor. “We have people cooking drugs out in the open right across the street. Is that not a recipe for disaster?”
Data Confirms Homeless-Related Fires Are Skyrocketing
Investigations by KCAL News and NBC4’s I-Team found that fires linked to the homeless population have surged dramatically in recent years:
- 2020: 43% of citywide fires were linked to homeless encampments.
- 2023: 13,909 fires were caused by or involved homeless individuals—a nearly 100% increase in just three years.
- 2024: The trend continued to worsen, with nearly 17,000 fires tied to homeless encampments.
Despite these alarming numbers, some Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) officials say they have been told not to speak publicly about the issue.
“Many battalion chiefs and captains are frustrated because they risk their lives fighting these fires repeatedly at the same locations,” said Fox 11 reporter Gigi Graciette.
One particularly dangerous encampment in Van Nuys has caught fire ten times, yet firefighters are ordered not to discuss it publicly.
Firefighters and Officials Sound the Alarm
Some fire officials have broken their silence. In June 2024, United Firefighters of Los Angeles City President Capt. Freddy Escobar spoke out after an encampment fire in the Sepulveda Basin nearly killed a firefighter.
“It was caused by the homeless, and we nearly lost a firefighter over this,” Escobar said. “The city of Los Angeles needs to wake up. What we’re doing today is not working.”
A dozen firefighters were injured in the explosion, and one crew member suffered a severed ear and head trauma, requiring an emergency airlift to a hospital.
The Los Angeles Police Department later confirmed that multiple suspicious explosive devices were found in the encampment, making it too dangerous for firefighters to return.
Escalating Crime and Dangerous Conditions
The Sepulveda Basin, once a peaceful wildlife reserve, has turned into a dangerous encampment zone with makeshift structures, propane tanks, and people in desperate need of mental health care.
Local birdwatchers and schoolchildren on field trips have encountered armed and unstable individuals.
“We saw a man waving a machete and screaming during a third-grade field trip,” said Pat Bates of the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society.
Meanwhile, areas like MacArthur Park have become so dangerous that police refuse to escort firefighters.
Business owner John Alley warned Mayor Karen Bass about the growing risk of fires being used to cook meth in MacArthur Park, days before massive wind-fueled fires ravaged Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
“If firefighters don’t have police protection, they won’t go in,” Alley stated. “Even police are staying blocks away from the park at night.”
Fire Department Funding Slashed Amid Rising Crisis
Despite these growing dangers, Mayor Karen Bass cut $17.5 million from the LAFD budget, reducing the number of firefighters, mechanics, and resources available to respond to emergencies.
In contrast, she allocated $1.3 billion to homeless services—far exceeding the $837 million fire department budget.
Ironically, $513 million of the homeless funding was never spent, according to City Comptroller Kenneth Mejia.
“If the problem goes away, the money goes away,” said LAFD Honorary Fire Chief Paul Scrivano. “This is an industry.”
A City Ignoring a Crisis
Despite the clear connection between encampments and rising fires, officials continue to downplay the problem, labeling it as climate-related or accidental.
Even when fires destroy homes, businesses, and endanger lives, the official response remains muted.
“How can city officials allow this to happen?” asked Escobar. “We are watching LA burn, and no one seems to care.”
With homelessness still at record levels and fire-related incidents rising, Los Angeles residents are left wondering: How much worse will it have to get before real action is taken?
