Criticism Mounts Against Los Angeles for Mishandling Homelessness as 16 Individuals Escape Fiery Freeway Incident

A fire broke out under the Los Angeles freeway, endangering the lives of 16 people, including a pregnant woman. Fortunately, rescue crews were able to safely evacuate everyone. However, this incident has once again sparked criticism over the city’s failure to address the issue of homelessness, leaving thousands of people living in dangerous conditions throughout Los Angeles.

Three years ago, a judge expressed concern over the 7,000 individuals living under freeways and deemed it “unreasonably dangerous.” In response, officials allocated nearly $300 million to create 6,700 shelter beds. Despite these efforts, makeshift shelters and tents can still be seen under overpasses and highway ramps.

Pressure is mounting on Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom to not only reopen the affected section of Interstate 10 quickly, but also to investigate the cause of the fire and the state’s oversight of the property. While Bass has cautioned against assuming that homeless residents started the fire, speculation and blame continue to circulate.

Apex Development Inc., the company that leased the property, has revealed that they have repeatedly reported fires started by homeless individuals to city officials. Governor Newsom has labeled the company a “bad actor” and the state is currently in litigation with Apex over $78,000 in unpaid rent.

A federally required count conducted in January estimated that there were over 75,500 unhoused people in the county, with more than 46,000 within the city limits of Los Angeles. Homelessness has significantly increased by 70% in the county and 80% in the city since 2015, leading advocates to take legal action against the city and county for more decisive measures.

While investigators have determined that the fire was intentionally set behind a fence where businesses stored materials, the culprits remain unknown. Mel Tillekeratne, an advocate for homeless individuals, emphasized that this incident could have resulted in a catastrophic loss of life. He believes that disasters like this highlight the urgent need for homeless resources and facilities in neighborhoods to prevent people from living near highways, where pollution and traffic accidents pose significant risks.

County supervisor Hilda Solis, who represents the area where the fire originated, acknowledged the need for additional resources to address the consequences of structural and systemic inequalities.

Following the evacuation, eight individuals moved into interim housing, three found shelter with friends, and one was connected with a homeless services program.

Business owners who subleased the storage properties expressed concerns about fire hazards and other dangers associated with encampments in the industrial zone under the freeway. Despite multiple reports to city officials, the encampments were cleared only to reappear shortly after. The Los Angeles Fire Department could not immediately confirm previous fires in the area.

Storage yards under highways are a common practice throughout the state, with the lease revenue being allocated to public transit. However, Governor Newsom has stated that this practice will be reevaluated in light of the recent fire.