Our BID area is no stranger to sidewalk fires. For years we’ve witnessed a staggering number of encampment fires, posing threats to the lives of people on the sidewalk and to businesses. The fastest growing fires are debris fires that consist of trash or clothing set ablaze for warmth, cooking or other reasons. In 2023, we experienced 50 encampment fires and 259 debris fires. In 2024, there were 29 encampment fires and 340 debris fires.
Our BID public safety officers carry fire suppressants and extinguishers and use them daily to keep these fires from growing out of control. We also attempt to educate individuals living on the street of the dangers of unattended fires.
