A fire that broke out at a vacant West Hollywood home has left residents angry as squatters are believed to be behind the blaze.
The home, located at 7909 Fountain Ave. was found engulfed in flames on June 28. Neighbors have complained about squatters constantly breaking into the property, with many believing the home is a safety hazard to nearby residents.
“I have seen those windows boarded up more times than I can count,” said Spencer Morgan, a neighbor. “Each and every time those boards are ripped off [by trespassers]. Just this morning, I have video proof of an unhoused person roaming the property.”
“This is like the third time,” a neighbor said of seeing a fire at the home. “It’s very dangerous. It appears the owners don’t really care about any kind of impression they make on the neighborhood or the safety of the neighbors.”
The home is reportedly tied up in a years-long litigation battle involving property owners fighting against the city’s plan to build an affordable housing complex on the site.
“I mean, what does that have to do with the owner taking care of the property and the owner keeping it safe for the neighbors?” replied a resident on hearing the home is stuck in litigation.
Another neighbor, however, seemed frustrated by the situation but believed the homeowner had their hands tied.
“He should keep the property safe but to what extent?” the neighbor asked. “What is he going to do? He can’t tear it down. The city won’t let him. The neighbors are complaining on him. What is a landlord going to do? What is his fault?”
In the meantime, many residents said they feel unsafe and are concerned someone may be harmed or worse as the vacant home continues attracting squatters and vandals.
“It’s only a matter of time before one of our buildings lights on fire or it starts to put other people’s safety at risk,” Morgan said. “I do want to put pressure on the mayor to address this issue and to take responsibility and call for the demolition of this building. Our safety is more important than [whatever else] is happening.”
There is a security guard stationed outside the home, but neighbors said it isn’t enough to keep vandals and trespassers out.
KTLA has reached out to the West Hollywood mayor’s office and is awaiting a response.
Code enforcement officers were at the home on Tuesday to monitor efforts on boarding up the property once again. The fire that ignited on June 28 is being investigated as an arson.
The home has drawn comparisons to another West Hollywood home on the 1000 block of North Sierra Bonita Avenue where a large fire broke out in November 2023 amid constant squatter break-ins and reports it was being used as an alleged drug den. That house was eventually demolished in January.