San Diego County Advances proposal to Clear Homeless Encampments During Red Flag Warnings

San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a proposal to clear homeless encampments during red flag warnings, marking a notable move to mitigate fire risks. Supervisor Jim Desmond authored the proposal, directing county staff to prioritize relocating individuals from high fire-risk zones, emphasizing public safety. The initiative also mandates exploring housing options for those displaced and encourages collaboration with other jurisdictions within the county to implement similar fire-prevention strategies. Staffers have been given 90 days to present their recommendations for improving removal policies, aiming to balance compassion with community safety.

The proposal, championed by Supervisor Jim Desmond, directly addresses growing concerns about wildfires, notably those potentially ignited by open flames used for cooking or warmth within homeless encampments. Desmond’s office released a statement emphasizing that This proactive approach aims to protect lives, mitigate fire risks and support vulnerable populations by ensuring they are not left in harm’s way during dangerous fire conditions. The board’s decision reflects an increasing urgency to balance compassion for the homeless population with the need to safeguard the broader community from the devastating consequences of wildfires.

Addressing Fire Risks and Protecting Vulnerable Populations

Before Tuesday’s vote, Supervisor Desmond asserted that over 50% of fires in California are started by homeless individuals. While the accuracy of this figure was challenged during public comment, Desmond offered to provide his sources for the statistic.He highlighted recent fires in San Diego neighborhoods such as La jolla, Mission Valley, and Oceanside, cautioning that these incidents could have posed a significant threat to schools and homes had Santa Ana winds been present.The presence of open flames for cooking or heating purposes, without adequate fire prevention measures, presents a clear and present danger to the entire county, according to Desmond.

Desmond clarified that his proposal, presented in the form of a board letter, is primarily focused on fire prevention rather than punishing those experiencing homelessness. He referenced the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles earlier in january, which resulted in 29 deaths and the destruction of thousands of homes, underscoring the potential for similar tragedies in San Diego County. He stated, We all saw what happened in (Los Angeles), emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent such disasters.

Logistical Challenges and available resources

Desmond acknowledged that numerous logistical challenges remain to be addressed in implementing any future policy. He also pointed out that a significant factor contributing to homelessness is the ability of individuals to refuse assistance, even when resources are available.Despite these challenges, Desmond stressed the importance of taking decisive action, stating, we have to do everything in our control to prevent fires.

Supervisor Joel Anderson,who previously proposed an unsafe camping ordinance scheduled for discussion at a future meeting,echoed Desmond’s concerns.As a resident of a red-flag fire zone, Anderson emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating, This isn’t about whether you’re compassionate about (homelessness) or not — this is about whether somebody has the right to burn down your neighborhood and put your life at risk.

Concerns and Considerations

While supporting the proposal’s focus on emergency fire warnings, Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe emphasized the importance of providing alternative shelter options for individuals displaced from homeless encampments. There’s nothing that will come before me that if it doesn’t have that, at least as part of the conversation, that I will support, Montgomery Steppe said, highlighting the need for a complete approach that addresses both fire safety and the needs of the homeless population.

Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer acknowledged the work of Anderson and Desmond on the issue of homeless encampments but cautioned against duplicating existing efforts. She echoed Montgomery Steppe’s concerns regarding the need to assist individuals without permanent housing, stating that it is indeed embarrassing for a society that makes it illegal for people to sleep somewhere.

Support from Fire Officials and Community Members

Desmond’s proposal garnered support from various residents and officials, including Chief Joe Napier of the Valley Center Fire Protection District. Napier suggested that the initiative could be effective with coordinated efforts between the county Sheriff’s Office, fire department, and code compliance officials for patrols. He added that a policy would enable public safety officials to educate individuals in encampments on evacuation procedures and relevant mobile applications.

Napier emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, We believe it’s a holistic community approach to problems like this that can be attained through cooperative measures.

One resident, identifying herself as Oliver Twist, expressed strong support for the proposal, stating, After the fires in Los Angeles, ‘I really don’t see who would not be for this,’ She recounted her own experience of having to evacuate during the 2003 Cedar Fire, highlighting the personal impact of wildfires.

Opposition and Alternative Perspectives

Despite the widespread support, some individuals, including lawson-Remer and Montgomery Steppe, emphasized the need for increased assistance to the homeless population. John Brady of Lived Experience Advisers noted the challenges his team has faced in addressing the issue. He argued that regional anti-camping bans have pushed everybody into ever-more dangerous regions, suggesting that such measures have inadvertently exacerbated the problem.

Brady proposed utilizing the thousands of mobile homes and travel trailers in the county as potential shelter options for those in need.Jessie Schmitte of Alliance San Diego argued that encampment bans merely conceal the growing homeless crisis, emphasizing the need for expanded housing and shelter options. You can’t talk about one without having solutions for the other, Schmitte said, advocating for a compassionate approach that prioritizes solutions over punitive measures. san Diego should led with compassion, not cruelty.

Conclusion

The San diego County Board of Supervisors’ decision to advance the proposal to clear homeless encampments during red flag warnings marks a significant step in addressing the complex intersection of homelessness and wildfire risk. While the initiative has garnered widespread support from fire officials and community members concerned about public safety, it has also sparked debate regarding the need for comprehensive solutions that address the underlying causes of homelessness and provide adequate shelter options for those displaced. As the county moves forward with developing and implementing this policy, it will be crucial to strike a balance between protecting the community from the threat of wildfires and ensuring the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable residents.