Resident raises concern over encampment fires near homes in East Village

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The fence on the historically recognized 1887 Evans Home has burned down for a second time with the homeowner pointing to the homeless encampments which set up camp against the fences in the area.  

“Last night at 2:30am there was a fire, a second fire that burned down the fence once again,” said Kristina Krutop, the homeowner of Evans Historical House on 17th Street.

A homeless encampment fire burned down Kristina’s fence in July so when she saw tents go back up Kristina alerted the authorities over concerns of another fire…

“It's not a matter of if it's going to cause a fire, it's when. So, that’s why I was very adamant in my claim to the city that this is a fire hazard,” Krutop said.

Kristina called the San Diego Police Department Friday who sent her to the CHP who told her to call Caltrans and Cal Trans told Krutop Monday to submit a claim to the city’s Get It Done app.

“Everyone sends you to somewhere else, which eventually sends you to the Get It Done app," said Krutop, who added that the app "doesn't get it done."

The city and Caltrans have a newly minted agreement with city officials releasing the following statement: 

"The City is looking into this incident. Our recently established Delegated Maintenance Agreement now allows us to address concerns and connect individuals experiencing homelessness along Caltrans (state) property with resources they need to help ensure the safety of all in these areas. Neighborhood Policing Division Officers and abatement teams are regularly in this area and will be back again soon."

Krutop is holding out hope that San Diego city officials will eventually seal off the area so more encampments don’t continue to grow.