Got a couple questions about a fire call at 38th/Barton, with smoke seen coming from Fauntleroy Park. After returning from court downtown, we went that way and caught up with Engine 37 as firefighters were packing up to leave after more than an hour on the call. What burned, they told us, was a tent, deep into the east area of the park (which is why the fire engine was not parked at the public entrance to the park). No other damage and no injuries, they told us.
yet another example of why we shouldn’t condone “camping” in the city….
Big park with a lot of combustible vegetation, especially during these dry months
We have three forest stewards volunteering on behalf of Fauntleroy Park and they have alerted the city to many encampments over the years. They cannot be everywhere, however, so having park users keep their eyes open is imperative if this beautiful natural space is to be preserved. If you see a tent or lean-to, call the police and do your best to pinpoint the location. The response will be firm but compassionate. We all care about those who are living rough but a public park is not a safe place to be doing it.
I presume whoever started the fire (intentionally or otherwise) had skedaddled by the time firefighters arrived.We’re losing ground (literally) to those who regard the entire cityscape as their home.I no longer feel safe in most parks around here and haven’t for a long time.
I used to walk my dog in Fauntleroy Park until I realized I was being watched by campers who were more secretive than they are now. I just didn’t feel safe in there. That, and the off-leash pit bulls. I wonder if this camper was the same guy who menaced someone with a gun a few weeks ago?
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