‘We just want some law and order’: South LA residents say trash fires, dumping, masked gunmen and nearby encampments are making life dangerous — and they want the state to do more

Residents concerned with fire, dumping and crime

"It's pretty lawless out here," Verdin told Fox 11 reporters. "Kids aren't allowed to go outside on their own without adult supervision."

Verdin's family has owned and operated the local business for more than 40 years. He says things have gotten significantly worse in recent years.

A recent report from the Los Angeles Fire Department seems to back up his claim. The department says that people experiencing homelessness (PEH) have been involved with at least 500 trash fires in the area since January 1st, 2025, according to Fox 11 News. The department noted a 475% increase in rubbish fires from 2014 to 2024 and while not all incidents are directly tied to homeless encampments, many are.

The local Watts Fire Station told Fox 11 News that “easily” 95% of the fires they respond to are homeless-related. Under the 105/110 freeway interchange alone, more than 1,000 fires have been recorded this year.

But fires aren't the only concern. Masked gunmen recently rolled up in the area with AK-47s. Graffiti is also an issue and locals say that violent crime and illegal dumping have also escalated. Dave Matthews, a community activist, says bizarre, large-scale dumping has also been an issue.

"We have 400 pounds of pork shoulder marinating on Figueroa and 127th that was dumped overnight. And then on Saturday, we had 1,000 pounds of pork ribs dumped on the street."

The nearby railroad tracks have also become dangerous. In a recent tragic incident, a woman lying on the tracks had her leg severed by a train that was unable to stop in time.

"And then a homeless person actually took the leg into an encampment," said Matthews, who found the limb.

Locals are hopeful that Governor Gavin Newsom's new model ordinance related to homeless encampments will finally bring peace to the area.

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Governer Gavin Newson’s new ordinance aimed at reducing encampments

The Public Policy Institute of California reports that the population of unhoused people in the state is estimated at 187,000, or 24% of the estimated total in the country. Moreover, two in three of these have no shelter at all. The ballooning issue of homelessness in the state is said to be one Governor Gavin Newsom hopes to shrink in time for a presidential run in 2028.

The area where many of the fires and illegal dumping are taking place — described by Fox News as an “8-square mile danger zone” — is unique in that small sections of land owned by the city, state and private railways all intersect with each other. Responsibility for the area and enforcement on it has become a hot potato, making it easier for illegal activities to take place and encampments to thrive.

In May, Gov. Newsom unveiled a model ordinance urging California cities to take quicker action to address unsafe or illegal encampments and connect unhoused residents with services.

While cities aren’t required to adopt it, the ordinance provides a framework to restrict “persistent camping” in a single location and to prevent encampments from blocking sidewalks and public spaces. It also encourages jurisdictions to provide notice and make a reasonable effort to offer shelter before clearing an encampment.

The rollout was paired with the announcement of $3.3 billion in grant money for facilities to treat mental disorders, including substance abuse. According to ABC 7 News, cities may be required to comply with the ordinance to access this funding.

However, homeless advocates say punitive measures don't work and the ordinance is not enough. Carolyn Coleman, executive director and CEO of the League of California Cities, says most cities already have similar ordinances. To solve the issue, they need money to address the root causes of homelessness, such as lack of housing.

For residents of South LA, the issue feels urgent. Fires, violent crime and hazardous dumping have become part of daily life and the complex tangle of jurisdictional responsibility only makes matters worse.

While Newsom’s proposed ordinance has brought hope, many locals say real change will only come with enforcement — and the political will to fund lasting solutions.