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Columbus Street resident urges stronger mitigation and accountability after repeated fires
Summary
A long-term resident recounted multiple fires near Columbus Street, pressed departments for mitigation and investigation, and alleged encampment-related ignition; fire leaders invited follow-up, offered a defensible-space assessment and said investigations proceed based on evidence.
George, a resident of Columbus Street for 26 years, urged city departments to do more after repeated nearby fires and said he has photographs he believes show encampment-related ignitions. He recounted a significant 2019 fire and said he felt earlier complaints were not sufficiently addressed.
"I have proof and photographs where the fire started in 2019... It was started by homeless people," George said, and asked why the city had not done more investigation. Chief Ty Shepherd acknowledged the 2019 fire context but said the city's response and interagency coordination have improved since then and invited George to request a defensible-space assessment.
Shepherd said recent air assets arrived quickly at recent incidents and that the department is pursuing a data-driven Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan and grant opportunities for mitigation and equipment. Andrew Johnston said the city looks to fire for investigations and is willing to follow up with prosecutors when evidence supports it.
Officials offered to meet after the meeting to review George's photographs and, where appropriate, add properties to mitigation lists or pursue follow-up investigations.
