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Residents report recurring homeless encampments and brush-fire risk; city vows continued enforcement
Summary
Homeowners reported repeated trespassing, bonfires and a brush fire near La Paloma; police and fire officials said crews will continue to remove encampments but acknowledged the problem recurs when sites remain empty.
A group of homeowners told the Brawley City Council that homeless encampments behind homes in the La Paloma area have returned after an earlier cleanup and that the encampments pose a fire risk.
Resident Dan Meyer described seeing a brush fire near his home and said camps and structures reappear after enforcement actions. He said police removals left garbage in place and that the same people had built new structures nearby.
Meyer asked whether the city would take further action to prevent a recurrence. “Before it becomes a problem, I mean, that fire could have easily gotten out of control,” he said, noting strong winds and proximity to houses.
The city’s police chief told Meyer and the council that crews would work with police and the fire department “to see what we can do to clear it out.” The chief added that prior removals have had a recurring effect: people are moved, then return when the area remains vacant. “We’re gonna move them again,” the chief said, but he cautioned there is not a guaranteed permanent solution while unsheltered individuals lack other housing options.
City staff said officers and firefighters responded quickly to a recent brush fire and will make further contacts with residents and service providers. No new policy action or permanent placement plan was adopted at the meeting.
Homeowners asked the council for a clearer, longer-term response to reduce risks from bonfires and trespassing and said they may consider legal remedies if properties and safety are affected.
