West Hollywood saw an increase in dumpster fires during February 2025, according to the latest Fire Activity Report from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Presented during Monday’s Public Safety Commission meeting, the report showed a jump from four rubbish fires in February 2024 to 21 in February 2025, prompting questions about causes and prevention strategies.
The data showed a total of 26 fire responses in February 2025, compared to 10 the previous year. Rubbish fires involving dumpsters and outdoor trash receptacles accounted for the bulk of the increase, with 21 incidents. The report detailed dumpster fires clustering around key intersections like Santa Monica Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard. On February 23 alone, five such fires were reported across various locations, including 7609 Santa Monica Boulevard and Laurel Avenue near Santa Monica Boulevard.
One notable case escalated into a structure fire. On February 23, a dumpster fire at 9010 Melrose Avenue extended into the adjacent building, resulting in $300,000 in property damage and $50,000 in contents loss. Firefighters contained the blaze, preventing further destruction, but the incident exemplified the potential risks.
In contrast, February 2024 recorded fewer and less costly fire incidents. The four rubbish fires reported that year caused no significant property damage, while a vehicle fire on February 9 at 1046 Spaulding Avenue resulted in $22,000 in property loss and $300 in contents damage. Cooking fires, another recurring category, remained consistent with three incidents in 2024 and two in 2025, though none escalated beyond their initial containment.
During the meeting, Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith addressed the rubbish fire surge. “We’ve talked time and again about those dumpster fires transitioning into structure fires,” he said, referencing the Melrose incident, “Your firefighters took quick action. There was minimal loss. It could have been a lot worse but we had a very robust response along with our sheriffs for traffic control. That collaborative effort, that unified approach between our two agencies is very strong.”
Vice Chair Bill Harrison inquired about the cause of the fires, asking, “Is it an incorrect assumption to say that it’s largely created by the unhoused population?” Smith replied, “You don’t know unless somebody is caught in the act. We get a lot of dumpster fires that are not intentional: somebody puts something in a dumpster, somebody else puts something in, they mix, they don’t agree and you can have some combustion. That’s not infrequent.”
Chair Adam Eramian asked if it was known whether the receptacles involved in fire incidents had been locked or unlocked. Smith responded that fire reports typically do not specify whether a dumpster was locked or unlocked, or had forced-entry. “Being locked of unlocked,” he said, “That’s through the occupant or the commercial building management.”
As the city moves into spring, the Fire Department is preparing for battalion chief rotations and upcoming events like West Hollywood Pride 2025. The department continues to monitor and respond, emphasizing awareness and rapid action to keep damages in check.
