Wildfire that scorched Bel Air started in homeless camp – and residents fear backlash

The Skirball blaze began life as a cooking fire under a freeway, but assigning blame is complicated given the harsh conditions of LA’s homeless encampments

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Authorities have revealed the wildfire that razed homes owned by LA’s wealthiest residents was started in a homeless camp inhabited by its most downtrodden.

After the Los Angeles fire department announced on Tuesday that the Skirball fire began life as a cooking fire under a freeway about 20 miles from downtown, the homeless services community took a sharp intake of breath.

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