Fires at Redwood City encampments raise concerns

“For us, the alarming part is why isn’t anyone else alarmed?” Cohn said. “Why is it taking so long to do something?” 

In early June, a resident in Cohn's neighborhood community saw two individuals behind the Marriott Courtyard Redwood City hotel with a propane tank, and wrote to the Redwood City Police Department and city officials notifying them of his concerns, Cohn said. In just a few days, the propane tanks were used and caught a tree on fire that ultimately had to be cut down. 

A few weeks later, another brush fire sparked across Redwood Creek and another encampment, Cohn said. 

In response, Redwood City staff coordinated with Caltrans and California Highway Patrol — the site of multiple encampments are across jurisdiction boundaries — to address the safety concerns on public property. 

“The site was cleared promptly after being reported, reflecting strong interagency cooperation,” said city spokesperson Jennifer Yamaguma. 

The repeated fires have put Bair Island residents on edge, worried over the potentially serious risk considering the limited access points in and out of the neighborhoods, Cohn said. 

“What we worry about the most is the fire as a public safety issue,” Cohn said. “All it takes is one ember to get over to your house.” 

After contacting multiple regional and state representatives, Cohn said resident concerns were considered "distressingly to no avail," if they received a response at all. A solution she proposed would be fencing off areas prone to encampments — though representatives from Caltrans came for a site visit and concluded fencing would not be feasible. 

Redwood City’s effort to end homelessness, and address similar concerns as raised by Cohn, will be considered at its upcoming council meeting Monday, July 21. Then, councilmembers will consider adopting a similar anti-camping ordinance to the county. 

San Mateo County, compared to other city and state ordinances, is considered to inflict lower penalties for non-compliance, and must require the offer of housing prior to enforcement, according to a staff report. Alternatively, the city of Millbrae has higher penalties and does not require housing be offered beforehand.

An advisory committee studying what Redwood City should consider, voted to move forward with following the county's lead, according to a staff report. Two exceptions include that the maximum fine that can be inflicted will only be $100 — the county caps its at $500 — and encampments around schools specifically must be addressed quicker, within two days. 

The county’s Hopeful Horizons Ordinance, adopted in January 2024, “prohibits the establishments of encampments on public property only when a suitable shelter location is available to the individual, and it reflects a trauma-informed, outreach-centered approach that prioritizes housing over enforcement,” according to a staff report. 

Enforcement at an encampment means the county offers appropriate shelter, and individuals cannot be cited or arrested for violating the ordinance unless they decline the shelter offer after two written warnings over a 48-hour period, according to a staff report. 

The county’s ordinance also includes detailed notices to individuals, and requirements for property storage of any belongings the individuals hopes to keep. The county must provide 72 hours notice before removing personal items, and will store items for up to 90 days. 

As of June 2025, there are 141 unsheltered individuals living in Redwood City — 42% less than the county in 2022. The majority of unsheltered individuals are majority Hispanic males between the ages 35 and 64, according to a staff report. 

There are approximately 29 homeless encampments in Redwood City — 12 on city property, 14 on Caltrans property and three on private property — with an average of three individuals living in a single encampment, as of June 2025, according to a staff report. 

Between January 2018 and May 2025, 6,809 calls for service have been made to the fire department — 83% of those were in response to medical situations and 10% were in response to fires, according to the staff report. 

Factors considered by the city to determine whether an encampment should be cleaned up, monitored or reevaluated regularly include its proximity to sensitive locations such as schools and residential areas, public health and environmental hazards, criminal activity, proximity to critical infrastructure, and obstructions of sidewalks, according to the staff report. 

Cohn agreed the city should adopt the county’s ordinance on encampments, but felt it may be necessary to say that after multiple warnings, encampments should be cleared regardless of whether beds are available. 

Feedback during community meetings held in early July consistently said whatever ordinance is ultimately approved, empathy for residents experiencing homelessness is key, according to a staff report. Residents also expressed strong support for some level of enforcement, shared fears of fire and other environmental risks, and advocated for permanent supportive housing and services. 

Concerns remain about criminalizing homelessness and forcing people into shelter, though, according to a staff report. 

To implement the ordinance, if adopted as currently drafted, would cost the city about $2.85 million which it has obtained through a grant. The Department of Public Works may likely incur additional costs during implementation.

The Redwood City Council will be considered its possible anti-camping ordinance at its regular council meeting Monday, July 21. 

ana@smdailyjournal.com
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