The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that would allow law enforcement to order anyone, homeless or otherwise, out of brush areas at high-risk for fires.
Homeless people living in the brush on red-flag days could end up being moved out by LAPD.
The LA City Council took up the issue Wednesday during its city council meeting.
The proposal would give police the authority to give verbal orders and then remove the homeless if necessary.
The LA City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that would allow law enforcement to order anyone, homeless or otherwise, out of brush areas at high-risk for fires. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/9Ex9gTy6EU
— Margaret Carrero (@KNXmargaret)
September 4, 2019 This will not only protect them on those red-flag days but also protect the homes of people nearby.
Big fires have been sparked by homeless people building campfires for cooking in brushy areas.
Joe Buscaino, an LA City Councilmember, says "we have individuals who are homeless which are some of the most challenging individuals that are shelter-resistant who live in these brush areas and can trigger a brush fire based on how they are living."
Under the proposal, there would be three tiers for enforcement in which Tier 1 would be educational.
Tier 2 would be during red flag days when officers could move people out and Tier 3 would be a large law enforcement response during a brush fire emergency.
The #LosAngelesCityCouncil will vote on a proposed ordinance today that would allow police to verbally order the homeless out of brushy areas... on days when #fire danger is high. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/npYWkokVT8
— Jon Baird (@KNXBaird)
September 4, 2019
