LA Sees Surge in Homeless Encampment Fires, Slowing Emergency Response Times

New data shows a dramatic increase in encampment-related fires, straining the city's firefighters and leading to deadly consequences.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:40pm

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Los Angeles has seen a staggering increase in the number of fires related to homeless encampments, with over 16,000 such fires reported in 2025 - more than double the 7,165 logged in 2020. This surge in encampment fires is slowing emergency response times, as firefighters struggle to keep up with the rising call volumes. The issue has had deadly consequences, including the destruction of a family home and the loss of human life in some incidents.

Why it matters

The rise in homeless encampment fires in Los Angeles is a major public safety concern, straining the city's emergency services and putting lives at risk. The issue highlights the growing homelessness crisis in the city and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the underlying problems.

The details

According to recently analyzed data, the Los Angeles Fire Department logged 16,982 fires in 2025 that were marked as 'homeless or encampment related' - an average of 46 fires per day. This represents a more than doubling of the 7,165 encampment-related fires recorded in 2020. The increase in call volumes, combined with chronic understaffing, has slowed emergency response times, with one fire station responding to 78 fires at a single encampment. While most of these fires are quickly extinguished, some have had devastating consequences, including the destruction of a family home and the loss of human life.

  • In 2020, the LA Fire Department logged 7,165 homeless or encampment-related fires.
  • In 2025, the number of such fires had more than doubled to 16,982.
  • In March 2026, homeless squatters allegedly set fire to a house in central LA, destroying the family home next door.
  • Last August, firefighters found a trailer completely engulfed in flames at a homeless encampment, with the remains of one person found inside.

The players

Los Angeles Fire Department

The city's fire department, which has repeatedly warned that rising call volumes and chronic understaffing are slowing their response times.

Juan Galicia and Marta Umana

A married couple whose family home was destroyed in a fire allegedly started by homeless squatters in March 2026.

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles, who the Galicia-Umana family blamed for failing to address the homelessness crisis and prevent the tragedy that befell their home.

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What they’re saying

“These stations are busy as could be right now. And to add all these additional calls, it's definitely tough.”

— Joel Purma, LAFD Battalion Chief

“Karen Bass failed us. She failed our family. She failed thousands of families in the same situation because this happens every day in L.A.”

— Juan Galicia

What’s next

Los Angeles officials are expected to address the growing homelessness crisis and the strain it is placing on the city's emergency services. Potential solutions could include increased funding for homeless outreach and services, as well as efforts to provide more affordable housing and mental health support.

The takeaway

The surge in homeless encampment fires in Los Angeles is a symptom of the city's larger homelessness crisis, which is putting a significant strain on emergency responders and putting lives at risk. Addressing this issue will require a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to provide housing, services, and support for the city's unhoused population.