BULLETIN
NO:

18-155

DATE:

August 16, 2018

TO:

All Personnel

FROM:

Chris Webber, Assistant Fire Chief, Emergency Operations

SUBJECT:

Homeless Encampment Fires

In recent months, based upon CAD notes, an increasing pattern of homeless encampment
related fires in canyon areas and open spaces within the City of San Diego has been
realized. Some of these incidents have demonstrated early and rapid-fire growth not seen
in the past, threatening homes and structures in addition to causing evacuations.
In response to this pattern, Operations units should attempt to identify fires in canyons
and open spaces where the ignition or source could possibly be from an active homeless
encampment.
SDFD, in collaboration with SDPD, will be using CAD data to identify areas where these
fires have occurred. This information is vital to assist in appropriate follow up, hopefully
to lead to the prevention of a significant incident.
To collect this data, Operations personnel will begin using keyword(s) that will need to be
entered in CAD notes by the company officer or dispatcher, so these calls can be accurately
tracked. Company officers and dispatchers are encouraged to write brief descriptive
narratives in explaining the incident location and the possible link to an encampment.
This is important as our SDPD counterparts will receive the run info within minutes of the
CAD entry and the information will direct their response.
The key phrases to be used in the CAD notes are homeless and encampment, or a
combination of the two. These words are recognized by the First Watch CAD reporting
program and immediately create a notification that is sent via email. Use these words for
active encampments where a fire is suspected to have been started as a result of the
encampment, whether deliberate or accidental.
Questions regarding this tracking and documentation of these incidents should be sent
through your COC.