‘Pure hell.’ Bay Ridge residents fed up with repeated homeless encampment fires
For nearly two years, tenants living near 3rd Avenue and 65th Street say they’ve watched flames rise from behind their building, with smoke drifting into apartments and hallways.
More Stories
Residents at Bay Ridge Towers say fires from a nearby homeless encampment have become a constant danger and a constant source of fear.
For nearly two years, tenants living near 3rd Avenue and 65th Street say they’ve watched flames rise from behind their building, with smoke drifting into apartments and hallways.
“It’s just been pure hell living here - it's been constant smoke,” said resident Sanchez. “It gets into the apartments and all the common areas.”
Residents shared video appearing to show a man collecting materials they believe were later used to fuel fires behind the property. They also pointed to holes torn through a security gate near the building’s pipelines, raising concerns about repeated access to the area.
“Plastic tires, trees, anything they could chop down or get and put fire to, they're using,” resident Jeffrey said. “And then when you walk around, you smell it and it smells toxic almost.”
Neighbors say they’ve repeatedly contacted city agencies for help, frustrated that the encampment remains despite its location just blocks from the 68th Precinct and FDNY Ladder 109.
“No one's really taking control of the situation,” Sanchez said.
“It’s bad, it’s not safe,” added resident May Mo. “So, we avoid walking that path. Always walk on the avenue.”
After News 12 reached out to the Department of Homeless Services, an outreach team visited the site to document open entry points and inspect conditions ahead of a planned cleanup effort.
Residents say they’re encouraged to finally see action, but believe a larger response is still needed.
"All these agencies should just come together and just find some sort of resolution to rectify the issue,” Sanchez said.
The Department of Homeless Services says it is coordinating with other city agencies on next steps and additional outreach efforts in the area.
