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Officials believe downtown scrapyard fire may have been started by homeless

Witnesses told fire officials a person in a homeless camp behind the business threw lit flares into trees, which later spread to the Sims Metal Management scrapyard, firefighters said.

A fire at a metal scrapyard in downtown Sacramento may have been caused by homeless camping nearby, fire officials said.

Witnesses told fire officials a person in a homeless camp behind Sims Metal Management scrapyard threw lit flares into trees, which later spread to the the business, firefighters said.

Employees of Sims Metal Management scrapyard were asked to assist fire crews by operating cranes to move debris, so firefighters could douse the flames with water.

"The initial units made a good fire attack,” said Rusty Van Vuren, Battalion Three Fire Chief.

Crews were able to get the fire under control within two hours. Firefighters are investigating the cause of the fire.

The area near the business is home to hundreds of homeless people who have well-established encampments spanning entire city blocks. Other camps like the one near the business on abandoned property are hidden by thick brush. Many homeless live in the area because it’s close to organizations that provide meals and other resources.

However, fire officials say these camps are becoming a growing public health and safety risk. Fire crews say they respond to several fire, health or other issues at homeless camps in the area every day.

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