On Thursday, September 9, 2021 at about 6:45 pm a homeless encampment caught fire just behind Stater Bros. in Phelan. According to eye witnesses, the fire started small as if it were a charcoal bbq starting, then quickly spread and engulfed the entire camp.
Several eyewitnesses, including this reporter noticed the fire as it was starting. After walking closer it became apparent that the fire was out of control and a call was placed to the 911 operator, this was about 7:00 pm. By 7:07 pm, both Cal Fire and County Fire ME10 were on scene taking down the fire. A mere 5 minutes later at 7:12 pm the fire was mostly extinguished and firefighters were mopping up.
It is unclear how the fire started, however, this is a popular spot for the homeless to build camps. Another encampment was just 50 feet away to the east of the fire.
