SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) – The variety of fires began at homeless encampments goes up yr by yr, in line with the union representing San Jose firefighters. With round 3,000 of those fires reported to the division simply final yr alone, the union says one thing has to alter.
The union says they reply to 3-4 unhoused encampment fires day-after-day, and throughout the dry months, that quantity can go as much as 10 or 20 calls.
“Every day we come to work we know there is a possibility of this type of danger we deal with,” mentioned San Jose Hearth Division Captain Jerry Might. “It’s increased tremendously over the last 10-15 years since I’ve been there.”
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The information comes from 2024 incident experiences throughout the fireplace division. It was first requested by the San Jose Highlight.
Out of the 4,600 non-structure fires responded to by San Jose fireplace, San Jose Firefighters Native 230 says round 3,000 of these had been from encampments. The union provides the quantity is a about 200 greater than 2024.
“We are one of the busiest in the Bay Area, and to see all the fires we’re going to in day in and day out is really concerning,” Might mentioned.
Might says the fires could cause pointless publicity to poisonous gasoline and forestall firefighters from responding to different fires. He says it is common to see unhoused individuals die due to the fires.
The town says whereas these numbers got here from the union, they’re working to get extra particular knowledge themselves on fires in encampments.
“I’m tired of hearing excuses for why we can’t enforce common sense prohibitions on open flames, loose propane tanks, tapped electrical lines and other similar behaviours in encampments that put us all at risk. Given the recent tragedies in L.A., this truly can’t wait,” San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan mentioned in a press release to KRON4.
Unhoused advocates like Shaunn Cartwright say unhoused individuals begin fires to remain heat at evening, and solely long-term housing options can finish the fireplace hazard.
“If you don’t want people to be living outside and starting fires you should be supporting permanent supportive housing,” she mentioned.
The mayor says he’ll carry up restrictions on encampments having campfires and cooking throughout his upcoming funds deal with. Nonetheless town is dealing with a possible $60 million funds deficit, and the fireplace division’s union says it’ll combat to protect as many companies as it may well.
