LA Firefighters Stretched Thin by Over 12,000 Homeless-Related Fires This Year

Firefighting resources in Los Angeles are being strained by a significant increase in fires attributed to the city's homeless population. Between January 1 and September 20, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) recorded 12,241 fires classified as "Homeless or Encampment Related." This averages out to 47 such fires each day.

While this represents a 6% decrease compared to the same period last year, the sheer volume of incidents continues to pose a significant challenge. Two areas, Skid Row and along the 10 Freeway Corridor, have seen a higher concentration of these blazes, often caused by the burning of trash and debris. Firefighter-paramedics have reported responding to multiple fires within minutes of each other during routine patrols.

The reasons behind these fires vary, ranging from intentional acts to fires started for warmth or cooking. Some fires have also been attributed to unusual circumstances, such as a reported instance of someone practicing voodoo rituals.

The consequences of these fires can be severe. In one instance in May, a rubbish fire believed to be homeless-related destroyed a Larchmont homeowner's residence and claimed the lives of his dogs. Of the homeless-related fires this year, over 10,000 have involved trash, while others have included vegetation, vehicles, and structures.

This trend represents a significant escalation in recent years. In 2020, the LAFD logged only 7,165 homeless or encampment-related fires. The number has more than doubled since then, with each subsequent year reporting an increase over the previous one.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's office stated that these fires endanger residents and businesses, emphasizing the Mayor's commitment to ending street homelessness. The office noted that calls related to encampment fires are down by over 800 compared to the previous year, but acknowledged that any such fire is unacceptable.

In contrast to some Los Angeles city policies, the city of Malibu has taken a different approach. The Malibu City Council unanimously approved a declaration of local emergency on August 10, citing low Live Fuel Moisture levels and the risk of fires associated with unpermitted camping. This declaration allows the city to expedite the removal of homeless encampments, particularly in designated high-fire hazard zones. Malibu reports a decrease in its unhoused population from 46 in 2025 to 27 in 2026. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles City Council voted in August to remove homeless camping bans at 12 sites across the city.