Encampment Fires Surge in Los Angeles, Straining Fire Department

New data shows over 75,000 homeless-related fires in LA since 2020, slowing emergency response times.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:07am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a fire extinguisher icon repeated in a grid pattern, conceptually representing the surge of encampment fires straining the resources of the Los Angeles Fire Department.As encampment fires overwhelm LA's firefighters, the city's emergency response system struggles to keep up with the growing crisis.Los Angeles Today

A records request by ABC7 found that the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to over 75,000 homeless or encampment-related fires since 2020, with the number climbing from 7,165 in 2020 to 16,982 in 2025. These fires, ranging from small rubbish blazes to structure and vehicle fires, are straining the LAFD's resources and driving up response times across the city.

Why it matters

The surge in encampment fires is a major concern for public safety in Los Angeles, as these incidents can be explosive and dangerous for both unhoused residents and firefighters. The increased call volume is also slowing emergency response times citywide, putting all residents at risk.

The details

The LAFD must file a report for every fire they respond to that is "Homeless or Encampment Related." Data shows these incidents have skyrocketed, from 7,165 in 2020 to 16,982 in 2025 - an average of 46 fires per day. While most are small and quickly extinguished, some have had devastating consequences, like a recent Larchmont fire that destroyed a family's home and killed their two dogs. Encampment fires can be especially hazardous, with the potential for combustible materials, flammable liquids, and lithium-ion batteries to cause explosions that have injured firefighters.

  • In 2020, LAFD logged 7,165 homeless-related fires.
  • From January through mid-December 2025, that number climbed to 16,982.

The players

LAFD

The Los Angeles Fire Department, which has repeatedly warned that rising call volumes and understaffing are slowing their response times.

Jonathan Galicia

A Larchmont homeowner who lost his home and two dogs after a fire he believes was started by squatters next door.

Sidney Johnson

A Westlake resident who has seen palm trees near his apartment, including those by nearby schools, repeatedly charred by encampment fires.

Tony Brown

The director of the after-school program HOLA (Heart of Los Angeles) in Westlake, who is concerned about the safety of the children walking by the frequent encampment fires.

Joel Purma

An LAFD Battalion Chief who oversees Fire Station 46 in South LA, which has responded to 78 fires in just five years at a single encampment beneath the Harbor Freeway on King Boulevard, the location with the most encampment fires in the city.

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What they’re saying

“I spoke to LAPD to kick them out and they did nothing, and my house burned and my dogs are dead.”

— Jonathan Galicia, Homeowner

“My concern is that one of our kids, one of our family members get seriously injured and we're not just doing putting out the fire, but even worse we're carrying them away in paramedics.”

— Tony Brown, Director, HOLA after-school program

“Typically, we'll see combustible metals, flammable liquids, gasoline, diesel, and a lot of times these lithium-ion batteries. So, it's inherently dangerous for ourselves as well as the public.”

— Joel Purma, LAFD Battalion Chief

What’s next

LAFD officials say they are working to address the surge in encampment fires, including exploring ways to improve response times and coordination with other city agencies. However, the underlying issue of homelessness and lack of affordable housing remains a significant challenge for the city.

The takeaway

The dramatic increase in homeless-related fires in Los Angeles is straining the city's fire department and putting public safety at risk. This crisis highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of homelessness and ensure the safety of all Angelenos.