Los Angeles is seeing nearly 50 homeless-related fires every day across the city.
Particularly with the upcoming winter season, cases of homeless individuals starting fires to ward off the cold are expected to increase, deepening anxiety among Korean-American business owners.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), a total of 12,241 homeless-related fires occurred from January 1 to September 20 of this year. This equates to an average of 47 fires per day, or about 2 fires every hour.
Fire authorities explain that areas classified as potential high-risk fire zonesβsuch as the vicinity of the LA Downtown Fashion District (Jabart) and the Skid Row areaβcarry a high risk of abandoned trash and small heating-related fires spreading to surrounding commercial buildings.
Koreatown is no safe zone either. According to the LAFD, there have been about 100 homeless-related fires along Wilshire Boulevard, the main thoroughfare of Koreatown, so far this year.
LAFD firefighter Anthony Verdescia pointed out, “Homeless individuals start fires for various reasons beyond just heating or cooking, including arson.” He added, “Due to trash piled up on streets and building exteriors, there is a high risk that flames will spread in an instant.”
As a result of these circumstances, Korean-American business owners are growing increasingly worried. Businesses in Koreatown, which features many wooden buildings and densely packed adjacent shops, are stepping up internal security and patrols while struggling to devise countermeasures.
Brothers Restaurant (Hyeongje Galbi) owner Joo Bu-kwon is operating CCTV systems at twice the usual installation count for building safety.
Joo stated, “In the past, a homeless person set fire to the parking lot, but fortunately it was put out due to a report from a passing pedestrian,” adding, “It was a hair-raising moment that could have completely burned down the restaurant if the fire had spread to the wooden building.”
Large markets and retail businesses in town have also stepped up fire prevention and security enhancements.
Hannam Chain executive Hong Soon-mo revealed, “There was an instance where a homeless-related fire broke out behind a church near the market.” He added, “For building safety, we have increased CCTV coverage on exterior walls and parking lots, and installed gates at three entrances to restrict outsiders after 10 PM.”
Kim’s Home Center manager Choi Young-gyu also said, “During my commute, I often see traces of homeless people lighting fires just outside the parking lot gates.” He noted, “We have even spotted people lighting fires on CCTV, so we are staying prepared by operating alarm systems.”
In fact, in densely packed Korean-American commercial areas such as Downtown’s Fashion District and the Garment District, major damages resulting from fires presumed to be caused by homeless arson have occurred continuously.
Back in August 2023, a massive fire presumed to be caused by homeless arson broke out at a commercial building in the Downtown Fashion District, completely burning down three businesses, including a bedding shop operated by a Korean-American. Previously, in February 2022, two locations including the Korean-owned apparel company ‘JB Boys Fashion’ were completely burned down in the Fashion District, causing heavy property damage.
