SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) – The number of fires started at homeless encampments is going up year by year, according to the union representing San Jose firefighters. With around 3,000 of these fires reported to the department just last year alone, the union says something has to change.
The union says they respond to 3-4 unhoused encampment fires every day, and during the dry months, that number can go up to 10 or 20 calls.
“Every day we come to work we know there is a possibility of this type of danger we deal with,” said San Jose Fire Department Captain Jerry May. “It’s increased tremendously over the last 10-15 years since I’ve been there.”
The data comes from 2024 incident reports within the fire department. It was first requested by the San Jose Spotlight.
Out of the 4,600 non-structure fires responded to by San Jose fire, San Jose Firefighters Local 230 says around 3,000 of those were from encampments. The union adds the number is a about 200 more 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,” May said.
May says the fires can cause unnecessary exposure to toxic gas and prevent firefighters from responding to other fires. He says it’s common to see unhoused people die because of the fires.
The city says while these numbers came from the union, they are working to get more specific data 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 said in a statement to KRON4.
Unhoused advocates like Shaunn Cartwright say unhoused people start fires to stay warm at night, and only long-term housing solutions can end the fire danger.
“If you don’t want people to be living outside and starting fires you should be supporting permanent supportive housing,” she said.
The mayor says he will bring up restrictions on encampments having campfires and cooking during his upcoming budget address. However the city is facing a potential $60 million budget deficit, and the fire department’s union says it’s going to fight to preserve as many services as it can.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) – The number of fires started at homeless encampments is going up year by year, according to the union representing San Jose firefighters. With around 3,000 of these fires reported to the department just last year alone, the union says something has to change. The union says they respond to 3-4 […]
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