Fire Destroys Shelter At Lakeland Village Homeless Encampment

A fire in a homeless encampment west of Grand Avenue in Lakeland Village has destroyed one woman’s only possessions.

The fire, which began around 4:30 p.m. Friday, was located just west of the 17000 block of Grand Avenue, in a homeless encampment known as the Olive Groves to local residents.

No one was injured in the blaze, which was quickly extinguished once fire officials reached the remote area.

According to neighbors and encampment residents, explosions were heard just prior to the fire.

Capt. Harris of the Riverside County Fire Department/Cal Fire, confirmed the reports, but said the cause of the blaze is under investigation.

“We heard these loud popping noises,” said Kathleen Forton, a 10-year-resident of the Olive Groves encampment. “Then we saw the smoke. Nicole wasn’t in there when it happened, Thank God."

“Everything Nicole had was in there,” said Wayne Granish, another encampment resident.

“Nicole,” according to Forton and Granish, was the resident of the encampment that caught fire.

“She wasn’t cooking, so I don’t know what happened,” Forton said.

An encampment resident who identified herself only as Echo, said she was concerned about Nicole.

"I don't know what she's going to do," Echo said, tears rolling down her face.

Clutching a small brown Terrier dog, Echo added, "Poor Nicole, I feel so bad for her."

Nicole, who encampment residents said is 25-30 years old, could not be reached for comment.

Some of the local encampment residents said they suspect foul play by an outside person, but Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and Cal Fire officials would not confirm, saying only that the blaze is under investigation.

The encampment is home to 11 residents, according to Forton and Granish. The residents live in tents or makeshift shelters on the vacant parcel situated at the base of the nearby foothills.