Investigators Reveal Likely Cause Of Fire At Ballona Wetlands

PLAYA DEL REY, CA — Los Angeles Fire Department revealed more information Tuesday about the heavy brush fire that burned five acres at the Ballona Wetlands near the Playa del Rey oil field last month.

SEE ALSO: Homeless Crisis: Bonin To Address Neighbors On Proposed Shelters

It took nearly two hours and 54 firefighters to stop the brush fire March 23 at 5701 Lincoln Blvd., near Bluff Creek Drive, fire officials said. No injuries were reported and no structures were damaged. Ground crews worked with water-dropping helicopters to hit the pockets of fire along the limited access area.

The department released its final report Tuesday describing what investigators assessed at the burn area. And although the cause of the fire was not determined, it appears it was likely caused near a homeless encampment area, fire officials said.

"This fire took place inside the Ballona Wetlands at the intersection of Lincoln and Jefferson," according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. "The cause appeared to be homeless encampment in the area of origin. Started at half acre and spread to five acres. Medium brush and light grass."

A homeless encampment lines the areas surrounding the Ballona Wetlands near Jefferson and Culver boulevards, where trash and debris is left near the ecological reserve. Residents have long complained about trash at the location and expressed safety concerns over recent fires in the area.

A string of recent fires along the boardwalk in Venice, in alleys and behind homes, at Penmar Golf Course, and most recently at the Ballona Wetlands, has led residents to ask leaders for help.

Westchester resident Lily Laykin told Patch how the area has changed and how trash, debris left in the area has led to recent fires, including the brush fire last month.

"Our city leaders need to do something about it," Laykin said.

Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin has proposed multiple new homeless shelter and RV parking sites, including one at nearby Dockweiler Beach.

"We are assessing potential temporary sites for single occupancy "tiny homes" or for "safe camping" at county-owned beach lots at Will Rogers Beach in Pacific Palisades, at Dockweiler Beach in Playa Del Rey, next to Fisherman's Village in Marina Del Rey, and at a vacant and privately owned lot in Del Rey," Bonin said in a statement.

SEE MORE:

• Homeless Shelters Proposed Across The Westside
• Is It Time To Shut Down The Playa Del Rey Oil Storage Facility?
• The Battle Over Protecting Ballona Wetlands — And If They Need It