Southeast Houston business owners say they're concerned about fires happening at nearby encampment

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Some business owners along McGrew Street in southeast Houston say they are concerned about a growing homeless encampment nearby.

They say they feel like no one is doing anything about it. Workers told ABC13 that the encampment started more than a month ago, and at first, they weren't concerned because they understood times are hard for many. But they say things have escalated in recent weeks.

The core of the issues out here is that business owners told ABC13 they're worried about what could happen if the fires the homeless man is starting were to spread and reach any chemicals or oil products they use on their properties for work. Business owners and employees along McGrew Street say they're concerned about a man who's been building a home on the grass patch outside of their businesses.

"These are two oil tanks. We have debris outside, and that has some kind of oil residue, and residue can catch on fire," Amanda Sanchez Vidal, worker from a nearby business, said.

"At first, it was not an issue. He was trying to survive, but after some time, he's been getting a little aggressive," business owner Emiliano Carmona said.

Carmona and his dad have had their business for three decades. Now, they're worried it may all get burned to the ground because the homeless man next door is starting fires.

"My main concern is the hazards that the fire he's starting presents because we work with dangerous chemicals and flammable materials," Carmona said.

"Now, he's starting to create fires. He's had barrels where he goes and puts debris. My concern is that everyone here uses oil or some type of chemicals that are fire hazards," Vidal said.

People told ABC13 that it's been weeks since this started, and the encampment has grown.

But folks are most troubled by the flammable objects, including a gasoline canister, propane tank, and evidence of burned wood, all out on display.

"It started off with something, and now it's getting to a place where we called, and this and that, and nothing is being done about it," Vidal said.

They say they've called local agencies, including HPD and the constables' office, about this situation, but so far no one has given them a solution.

"They just want him to get help and see what the city can do," Vidal said.

ABC13 reached out to the police department and the Precinct 6 Constable's Office. They told ABC13 that they're looking into our questions.

ABC13 also raised the concerns to the city, and they said they will send someone out to the area to take a look at the situation this week.