Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Supervisors direct staff to report on clearing encampments during red-flag warnings to reduce fire risk
Summary
After citing recent fires tied to encampments, the Board voted unanimously to ask staff for a 90‑day report on options to clear or relocate encampments during red-flag fire warnings and to identify safe alternatives and coordination needs.
The Board of Supervisors unanimously directed county staff on Tuesday to return within 90 days with options to reduce fire danger by clearing or relocating encampments during red-flag warnings.
Supervisor Jim Desmond, who introduced the item, framed it as a public-safety measure after a series of fires he said were started in encampments. "When people can just refuse help and stay on our streets, and starting campfires, it's not a good sign on red fire warning days," Desmond said. He moved that staff prepare options for emergency encampment removals and identify possible accommodations, vouchers or transport locations for displaced individuals during high‑risk periods.
The board’s action is a direction to staff, not an immediate policy change or funding allocation. Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Strong told supervisors a related staff report on encampments and ordinance options will appear at the March 11 meeting and emphasized multiple county units are engaged in outreach, enforcement and homelessness services. Supervisor Joel Anderson asked that the new directive avoid duplicating the March work and clarified he would second the motion with that understanding.
Supervisors emphasized the item’s focus on preventing fires: speakers and fire chiefs cited specific recent incidents that threatened homes, schools and care facilities. Several public commenters opposed encampment sweeps unless alternative shelter or housing is available and urged investments in permanent housing rather than temporary removals.
The board voted unanimously to adopt the direction, with staff instructed to return in 90 days with legal analysis, options for prioritizing high‑risk locations and proposals for temporary placements or other mitigations. Supervisor Anderson noted a related ordinance will return March 11 and staff should coordinate to avoid duplicative work.
