LOS ANGELES – Growing concerns over wildfire risks in the Sepulveda Basin have reached a critical point for many Los Angeles residents, who point to the proliferation of homeless encampments within the vast parkland as a primary driver of the escalating danger. Recent incidents, including a fire that critically injured a firefighter, have intensified calls for immediate and decisive action from city officials.
A Brush Fire That Ignited Deeper Anxieties
The Sepulveda Basin, a sprawling 2,000-acre recreational area in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, has become a focal point for public safety anxieties. On June 24, 2024, a brush fire erupted in one of the basin’s numerous hidden homeless encampments. As Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) crews worked to contain the blaze, an explosion occurred, injuring 11 firefighters, with one sustaining critical injuries to his ear. Subsequent investigations revealed the presence of potentially explosive devices within the encampment, including what appeared to be a hand grenade, prompting the involvement of the LAPD Bomb Squad. While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, early reports suggested it might have been accidental. LAFD Captain Erik Scott noted the inherent difficulties firefighters face in such environments, stating, “There’s makeshift homes in those areas. There’s chairs, there’s solar panels, there’s a lot of unique debris you don’t normally come across in a wilderness normal brush fire.”
A Pattern of Perilous Fires
This recent event is not an isolated incident. Residents and local officials describe a pattern of frequent fires within the Sepulveda Basin, many of which are directly attributed to homeless encampments. Roy Nwaisser, president of the Encino Neighborhood Council, estimates over 300 people reside in the basin and asserts that “the majority of fires are caused by homeless encampments.” Data from the LAFD reportedly indicates that homeless encampments are responsible for approximately 75% of fires in the Sepulveda Basin, a statistic that deeply troubles those living in nearby communities. Historically, the basin has seen several significant fires, including a 2020 blaze that consumed six acres and led to the discovery of a body, and a 2019 fire that burned nearly 60 acres, intensified by propane tank explosions.
Residents Demand Concrete Action
The escalating fire risk has left residents feeling frustrated and vulnerable. “We’re frustrated and we want action,” stated Encino resident Pat Bates. “We want this to stop.” Many describe navigating areas of the park they once frequented as children, which are now unsafe due to dense encampments, trash, and the ever-present threat of fire. The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society has also voiced strong concerns, noting aggressive behavior from some encampment occupants and calling for a more stringent approach to managing these areas.
City Hall Responds to Growing Concerns
In response to the mounting pressure, Mayor Karen Bass’s office has acknowledged the safety threats and stated that the city is implementing a “new approach” and launching a “coordinated action plan to reduce safety threats in the area.” The Mayor’s office also reported housing over 30 individuals from the Sepulveda Basin. Meanwhile, city council members representing the area are exploring options to address encampments and mitigate fire hazards. However, residents and neighborhood councils are seeking more specific details, timelines, and assurances that the proposed actions will effectively address the complex issues at hand.
Navigating a High-Risk Environment
The Sepulveda Basin is officially designated as a high fire hazard zone, with regulations prohibiting open flames between April and November. The presence of makeshift structures, accumulated debris, and potentially hazardous materials within encampments creates a volatile environment. LAFD is actively working on fire prevention, identifying 800 acres as priority zones and clearing brush, particularly around recreational areas like the Hjelte Sports Complex, to create defensible space. The challenge for first responders is immense, dealing not only with brush fires but also the unpredictable elements introduced by encampment activities.
As Los Angeles heads into peak fire season, the situation in the Sepulveda Basin remains a critical concern. Residents and community groups are urging city leaders to move beyond promises and implement tangible solutions to ensure the safety of the community and protect this vital ecological and recreational space. The ongoing crisis highlights the complex intersection of homelessness, public safety, and environmental vulnerability within the city.
