Urgent Solutions Needed for LA's Homelessness After 16 unhoused people escape freeway fire

In the early hours in Los Angeles, a fire erupted beneath a freeway where 16 individuals, including a pregnant woman, were residing. While everyone was successfully evacuated, the incident highlights the ongoing crisis of homelessness in the city. Three years ago, a court order raised concerns about 7,000 people living under freeways, deeming it "unreasonably dangerous." Despite allocating nearly $300 million for shelter beds, makeshift shelters and tents remain a common sight, prompting renewed criticism.

Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom face pressure not only to reopen Interstate 10 swiftly but also to investigate the fire's origin and assess state oversight. A property management company, Apex Development Inc., alleges it had reported multiple fires caused by homeless individuals and was denied access to the site since October. Newsom has labelled the company as "bad actors," with the state seeking back rent and claiming unauthorized subletting.

The fire's cause is believed to be arson, but investigators have not identified the perpetrator. With over 75,500 homeless individuals in the county, Saturday's incident underscores the potential for a catastrophic human tragedy. Advocates stress the need for resources and facilities in neighbourhoods to mitigate hazards associated with encampments near highways.

While eight people found interim housing, three sought refuge with friends, and one reconnected with a homeless services program, the incident has ignited discussions about the systemic inequalities contributing to homelessness. Business owners had long expressed concerns about fire dangers related to camps in the industrial zone under I-10, emphasizing the urgency for city officials to address the issue. The broader question of leasing storage yards under highways statewide is now under scrutiny, with Newsom signalling a reevaluation of the practice.