Los Angeles faces increasing fires linked to homelessness

In Los Angeles, the growing homeless problem is increasingly linked to a rise in fires, raising concerns among local residents. In April 2021, a fire destroyed the home of Dr. Courtney Gillenwater while her dog, Togo, died in the blaze. Community members suspect that people from a nearby homeless encampment started the fire, although the cause remains officially undetermined. Residents believe that the presence of homeless encampments contributes to the increasing number of fires. Investigations show that since 2019, thousands more fires connected to homelessness have occurred. In 2024, nearly 17,000 such fires were reported, with illegal electrical connections in encampments noted as a potential cause. Fire officials hinted at long-standing political issues, suggesting they were directed to avoid discussing the link between homeless individuals and fires. Some firefighters expressed frustration over repeatedly responding to the same encampment fires without city action to address the risks. Firefighter Capt. Freddy Escobar raised alarms after an explosion occurred at an encampment fire, injuring several firefighters. He criticized city leadership for not taking action despite the recurring dangers tied to homeless encampments. The Los Angeles Fire Department is underfunded and overwhelmed with emergency calls related to homelessness. A report highlighted that firefighters in one area responded to nearly 19,000 incidents in 2020, largely due to the homeless crisis. While Mayor Karen Bass has allocated more funding for homeless services, many in the community are dissatisfied with the apparent lack of progress. Critics point out that despite significant financial resources dedicated to combating homelessness, the problem persists, with over 75,000 people still homeless in the county. As tensions rise between safety concerns and the needs of the homeless, local business owners and residents continue to urge city leaders to take more effective actions to address both fire risks and the growing homeless encampments around the city.