closed #193743
Fire Hazards
BHSS
- Case Date:
- 9/25/2024
Smells like gas
Smells like gas
Near Westside neighborhood had yet another fire this eve--third since the weekend. Every time we call the fire department, the don't do anything about it, but this time, they could not ignore it because the woods were on fire with huge smoke plume. (See video posted on Near Westside Facebook page.) Mayor Thompson has asked us to keep reporting and to use this uReport number 192446, but we can't because the issue is listed as "closed." These issues are connected to the unhoused people encampment back between the rail lines just west of Butler park. What is the City going to do help keep us from having to breathe the toxic smoke on a regular basis and also to keep us safe from the fires?
Today I visited the Dollar Tree on the East side. I was there around 2pm. The store had multiple aisles overcrowded with boxes of stock needing unpacked. One aisle in general was completely full from one end to the other. This is the aisle in the photo. Other aisles had boxes on carts throughout and had a path to weave through. I understand that they are understaffed but this felt very unsafe. If there was a fire I do believe it could be difficult to get through the store to get out. It felt unsafe. I'm not sure if it is considered a fire hazard but in case it is I wanted to let you know about it.
I smell a campfire in the vicinity near the fence on the north boundary of the park.
There has been a problem with people burning trash and yard waste in the near west side neighborhood nearly daily all summer and into this beginning of the fall season. The smoke often collects in some areas and lingers for hours causing a serious public health threat. Frequently the burning is conducted by a community of homeless people in the woods between W 8th and 9th Starts and the Monon trail just East of Adams Street, although therr may occasionally be other residents who are burning as well. Various neighbors have mad numerous calls to 911, but the problem persists. You may also reference the near west side neighhood association website to reference other complaints. While the fire department has come out to talk to the perpetrators numerous times, the City of Bloomington needs to find a permanent solution, since this is a serious public health problem that has been going on for a very long time, and sending the fire department does not resolve the problem.
Over the weekend, tenants had a bonfire on the NW corner of the building directly underneath power/utility lines. Probably illegal, but more important it was dangerous.
There is an open campfire back in the woods at 39.14547x8655090W. It is in a homeless encampment in the woods. It has not rained for weeks. There is dry brush everywhere.
This is related to Ureport 192446. Again tonight, a toxic smoke infiltrated the Near Westside neighborhood, emanating from the unhoused encampment. The whole story is at the 192446 ureport. Please continue to try to stop them from burning.
Yard waste has been there for weeks and it now is extremely dry and ready to ignite.
Numerous fire extringuishers are nearing a month past their expiry date.