Chico’s leaders debated a possible ban on camping in some parts of the city.
Council member Tom van Overbeek requested the topic be discussed due to concern that warming and cooking fires at homelesss encampments could get out of control and spread to nearby homes.
The discussion focused mainly on riparian areas like Teichert Ponds, Lindo Channel and Bidwell Park.
Sixteen residents spoke during public comment. Most were homeowners who lived near the areas of concern and were in favor of a ban.
Resident Leann Powell said she had to call 911 after seeing a small fire near Lindo Channel.
“The wind was pretty intense right there,” Powell said. “The fire went through the chain link fence and to the trees.”
Powell urged the council to move forward with the emergency ordinance.
“It just takes a few minutes of a fire to start and then ‘boom,’ we’re going to be Palisades. We’re going to be Paradise all over again,” Powell said.
Chico Fire Chief Steve Standridge also showed support for the action.
“I am in favor of anything that would help us reduce the risk of wildfires. And there are certain areas in the heart of the city that are much more receptive to that kind of activity,” he said.
Standridge said the number of fires started by unhoused residents has risen significantly over the last four or five years. He estimated there were about 40 calls to the fire department to extinguish these types of fires last year.
Some speakers also urged councilors to think about building a managed campground for unhoused residents or providing other resources, saying the underlying issue of homelessness needs to be addressed.
Due to winter weather the emergency ordinance could not be passed at this time.
Instead, the council agreed to follow existing laws surrounding enforcement of fires in the city’s riparian areas. Staff will now work with the city attorney to put a plan into use.
