North Park neighbors demand city action over homeless camp safety concerns

CHICAGO - Several residents in North Park are demanding city leaders take action on a homeless camp set up at Legion Park.

They're reporting several fires and explosions, involving propane tanks, have come feet away from their homes.

What we know:

In September, we reported the Chicago Fire Department responded to three fires at the site this summer.

At the time, there were five fires total. Neighbors report there have been several others since then.

The Chicago Park District released a statement then saying, "The fires that have occurred in recent months have put residents and first responders at serious risk, especially given the lack of a nearby fire hydrant and the difficulty of accessing this wooded area," the district said. "These conditions endanger those living in the encampment but also violate the Park District's lease agreement for Legion Park with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District."

We obtained cell phone video of another reported fire and explosion from October 28, where it shows a fire at the encampment. You also see firefighters removing propane tanks in a picture later that day.

In November, the city announced it planned to close the homeless encampment by early next year. About 35 people live there now, and many have waited years for housing.

The average waiting time is around four years citywide. Homeless advocates met with city officials then to find out the options for those who are homeless. 

City officials said it would offer shelter and try to move people indoors.

On Tuesday, some neighbors told us they've proposed establishing a minimum distance between the encampments and their homes. We spoke with two who understand the complexities and are compassionate about the issues that come with being homeless. They said in the past they've tried to help them, but it's reached a point where the fires and explosions have put their safety at risk.

"What am I going to do against an explosion," said Justin Gumiran. "I'm a person and we still are subject to explosions and we can escape, but there's nothing we can do stop them."

"You're calling 9-1-1, you hear somebody screaming 'help help help' so you call 9-1-1," said Ellen, who didn't want to give her last name. You later find out that person burned their face. It's just hard."

What they're saying:

The Chicago Park District issued a statement saying it is reviewing the minimum distance proposal and working to update its policies. Their full statement reads:

"The safety and well-being of all park patrons and the communities we serve is paramount. The Park District received the request to establish a minimum distance between the Legion Park encampment and neighboring residences. The Chicago Park District is currently reviewing and updating its policies for more effective enforcement of its Code while we continue to work closely with the Mayor’s Office, the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), and other service agencies to ensure that every person currently living in the encampment is offered safe and stable emergency shelter and assessed for long-term housing. We are hopeful that during the first quarter of 2026, all residents currently living in Legion Park will have been supported in moving indoors based on their own choice to do so with our assistance.

"Enforcement of Park District Code will be prioritized at Legion Park to help prevent the re-establishment of an encampment. Enforcement will be coordinated between Chicago Park District Security and the City of Chicago, with an emphasis on compassion, safety, and long-term stability for former encampment residents. Until that time, the District will continue to work with the appropriate agencies to prioritize community safety, conduct regular cleanings, and support measures that keep encampment and neighboring housed residents safe."

What's next:

FOX 32 Chicago also reached out to the Department of Family and Support Services, which said it is working to help those living at the encampment find permanent housing solutions.

The department has not yet responded to our follow-up request.