Fire at the Park | South Pasadena’s Arroyo Park on Marmion Way – Structure Fire

Local residents grateful for SPFD & LAFD quick and robust response, but nervous about people continuing to reside in the park due to the constant, and significant, fire problems.

Staff | The South Pasadenan News

August 11, 2024

PHOTO: Steven Lawrence | The South Pasadenan News | Structure Fire at Arroyo Park on Marmion Way 1:30pm Sunday. South Pasadena Fire, Los Angeles Fire Departments on scene.

SCREEN CAP: Social Media Post | Structure Fire at Arroyo Park on Marmion Way 1:30pm Sunday. South Pasadena Fire, Los Angeles Fire Departments on scene. — SCREEN CAP Social Media Post | Structure Fire at Arroyo Park on Marmion Way 130pm Sunday South Pasadena Fire Los Angeles Fire Departments on scene

Structure fire at Arroyo Park on Marmion Way. The park straddles South Pasadena & Los Angeles. Fire response was less than 5 minutes and in full force from The South Pasadena Fire Department & Los Angeles Fire Departments. The cause is unknown at this time, and there were no injuries reported on the scene.

Rescue units were seen toting the fully equipped emergency gurney toward the small structure in the park as a precaution. There were no people inside the building at the time.

| The South Pasadenan | South Pasadena News — GRAPHIC Google Maps with notations by news staff | The South Pasadenan News | Structure Fire at Arroyo Park on Marmion Way 130pm Sunday South Pasadena Fire Los Angeles Fire Departments on scene

FIRE: The South Pasadenan News | Structure Fire at Arroyo Park on Marmion Way 1:30pm Sunday. South Pasadena Fire, Los Angeles Fire Departments on scene. — PHOTO Steven Lawrence | The South Pasadenan News | LA Parks Rec Official on the scene Structure Fire at Arroyo Park on Marmion Way 130pm Sunday South Pasadena Fire Los Angeles Fire Departments on scene

This area currently has a homeless encampment that is located about 35 yards from the where the fire occurred. An official from Los Angeles Parks & Rec was on the the scene conducting an investigative report.

This area has become known for homeless encampment issues. CLICK HERE for more information.

The fire did not extend to the surrounding park, and was extinguished within 30 minutes.

Local residents are grateful for the quick professional work of the the fire crews; however most of the surrounding residents are wary of the problems, especially fire, in the park. Locals report that 911, 311, & ‘non-emergency’ calls to police are ineffective.

Both the LAPD Hollenbeck Division, and the South Pasadena Police Department ‘hands-are-tied’ for most ‘non-emergency’ calls due to confusing and restrictive directives from LA City Council and the LA Border cut-off for South Pasadena. This has been an ongoing administrative policy problem for years.

Fire is a major problem. Residents in LA & South Pasadena that surround the park are left to wait for a significant event to get a response – mostly from the Fire Department. The South Pasadenan spoke with local residents: “….Preventative policing has been difficult for the police due to policies and resources…” Other residents have noted: “…It’s not the fault of the police. The vagrants seem to be addicts that could use some help – but they refuse it… the police cannot force them to get assistance and get into a better situation…”

It should be noted that the South Pasadena Police Department has been responsive, and does send out additional patrols in the park area; but are limited do to the LA city boundary issues.