Residents raise concerns about fires in Sepulveda Basin

San Fernando Valley residents are meeting with the Los Angeles city officials to address their concerns about fires and public safety near the Sepulveda Basin.

"We're frustrated and we want action," Encino resident Pat Bates said. "We want this to stop."

Bates said fires spark in the Sepulveda Basin at least once a week and have turned much of the land into blackened ash. The Los Angeles Fire Department said homeless people often set fires that get out of control. The department has identified 800 acres classified as priority zones for fire prevention and cleared out brush at the Hjelte Sports Complex.

Firefighters also want to create defensible space around neighborhoods and the nearby baseball field.

"We want to minimize firefighter and public risk," LAFD Capt. Erik Scott said.

LAFD