Walking down Broadway, a homeless man stands in front of a dingy comforter he’s carefully placed upon the ground. With no music to be heard, he dances to the beat of his own drum, calling attention to himself, having the most insane fun. Unfazed by passing glances, all smiles turn to frowns as he begins approaching each passerby, asking them for a lighter. – True Story
Fire in the “Whole”
Homeless individuals have been setting fires to stay warm in Downtown LA since the beginning of time. Before Charlie Oh’s became the now shuttered Down N Out, the corner, like many, was known for hobos setting trash fires into the wee hours of the morning.
Since those wire trash bins across the city have been replaced, but in this desperate act of survival, it has never truly died down in downtown Los Angeles and still rages on.
Under the Freeway
Santa Monica Freeway Post Damage – Photo Courtesy of LA Times
When a significant fire broke out under the 10 Freeway in the summer of 2023, engulfing a homeless encampment and causing major traffic disruptions, taxpayers were left to fork the bill. Reports say, the first pallet yard, that went into flames was 40,000 square feet, engulfing multiple trailers.
Come on, Baby, DON’T Light My Fire!
This is the end of Morrison Hotel – photo taken on Hope Street, just before Pico Blvd.
Like an eerie precursor to the LA fires, a fire erupted at the historic Morrison Hotel on Dec 26, a landmark building that had fallen into disrepair, just one of many that had become a haven for homeless individuals seeking shelter within it.
Then, as the wildfires raged across Southern California, homeless arsonists were captured on video setting fires to various parts of the city.
With smoke filling the air and all of LA in a panic, two more mysterious fires broke out, one adjacent to the Morrison Hotel, and the other at Pershing Square, causing damage to the exterior wall, palm trees, and pipes below.
Definitely not the result of high winds and dry conditions, flames raged, and tempers flared as some speculated the LA fires could have been the act of homeless arsonists as well.
Somebody Please, Send Fresh Air
Gun powder painting by Artist Danny Shervin
Community events, from neighborhood festivals to sporting events, have been canceled due to concerns about fire safety and air quality.
Historic Core’s annual Holiday Ice Rink cut its shimmering spectacle short two days, while the Firecracker 10K run of Chinatown was postponed, with organizers stating, “After careful consideration of our participants, volunteers, committees, and local resources, we have made the decision to postpone the Firecracker 5K/10K run.”
Both Historic Core Resident Night and Art Night were also canceled, with organizers releasing a statement expressing their commitment to the safety of their guests and staff: “Due to the ongoing fires in Los Angeles and our commitment to the safety of our guests and staff, Historic Core Resident Night and Art Night have been canceled.”
Great for safety; however, these cancellations not only disrupt the social fabric of the city but also have a significant economic impact on local businesses.
A week later, the fires have died down. Almost fully controlled, leaving a combination of smoldering remains, forces, and anxiety of knowing homeless encampments, or even resentful human beings, could spark such flames at any time, still simmering in the back of everyone’s mind.
Downtown residents are asking the community, if you see something, say something, but not to endanger themselves by taking the law into their own hands.
