Last week a fire broke out at a homeless encampment in the desert near Collins Rd. which left residents in the area concerned and fed up with the conditions they are being exposed to.

The fire broke out around noon on April 17, and quickly engulfed items in an encampment and created lots of billowing black smoke in the area, something nearby residents say has become a common occurrence.

One resident said it is very common for the people in the encampment area to start fires to keep warm and cook food but is concerned that the fires are going to get out of control with no means to get them contained quickly.