LAFD task force identifies homeless encampments in high-fire zones

ELYSIAN PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A fire in Elysian Park burned less than an acre Thursday morning.

A passenger on the Goldline saw the flames and called 9-1-1. The cause remains under investigation, but it started next to a homeless encampment.

This small fire comes about three weeks after the Los Angeles Fire Department set up a new task force to identify encampments in high-fire hazard zones.

The task force was created in response to the Skirball Fire. Authorities believe an illegal cooking fire at a homeless encampment in the Sepulveda Pass started the wind-driven blaze last month. It destroyed six homes in Bel Air.

LAFD Capt. Erik Scott said the task force identified 191 homeless encampments on 76 parcels of land.

"Notifications would go to the property owners, to the LAPD if it falls in their jurisdiction, Caltrans if it's on a freeway, if it's at a park, parks and rec," Scott said.

Scott added fire fighters will also look for homeless encampments in the spring, when the fire department checks brush clearance.