Rohnert Park homeless camp fire burns extensive, makeshift home

Fire at a large homeless camp on the edge of eastern Rohnert Park burned an extensive, makeshift home of wooden pallets that included a deck, cooking area, carpeting, wood stove, doors and windows, a Rancho Adobe fire official said Monday.

The Sunday morning fire was reported around 8:30 a.m. on private land north of Keiser Road near Snyder Road. Dozens of individual camps are clustered on the undeveloped property among brush, tall dry weeds and a dry creekbed, making it an area of concern for firefighters, Rancho Adobe fire Battalion Chief Herb Wandel said Monday.

Rancho Adobe, Rohnert Park and Gold Ridge firefighters responded. To reach the flames, firefighters had to cut through wires strung among the camps as a security measure. The fire was stopped before spreading but destroyed the estimated 300-square-foot homesite.

“This particular structure was made out of pallets, tarps, doors and windows, structural components,” he said. “It had a deck, carpeting, kitchen. It was substantial.”

The fire broke out near the wood stove, likely started due to the cold temperatures, Wandel said.

You can reach Staff Writer Randi Rossmann at 707-521-5412 or randi.rossmann@pressdemocrat.com.