Homeless Camp “Cookout” Under Bridge Sparks Fire Concerns at Young Street Overpass

Another police call to the homeless camp beneath the Young Street overpass is raising concerns about more than just trash and trespassing — this time, residents feared a fire could break out under the bridge itself. Officers were dispatched after a caller reported homeless individuals living out of a car beneath the overpass were grilling food beside the vehicle while surrounded by piles of trash. When police arrived, they confirmed that two men were homeless and living out of their vehicle under the bridge. Officers told the pair they needed to clean up the area and warned them they could not grill beneath the overpass or on the roadway. No arrests were made. 🔥 Why Fires at Homeless Camps Worry Officials While cooking food over a small grill might not sound like a major emergency, officials say fires at homeless camps can quickly turn dangerous — especially in areas like bridges, wooded lots, abandoned structures, and camps packed with trash, propane tanks, blankets, and other flammable materials. Across the country, fires connected to homeless encampments have caused: Serious injuries and deaths Damage to bridges and public infrastructure Brush fires Explosions involving propane tanks or fuel cans Dangerous smoke conditions for nearby residents In Portsmouth, many camps are tucked beneath overpasses, near railroad tracks, behind businesses, or in wooded areas where fire can spread quickly before emergency crews can respond. 🏕️ Another Sign of the Growing Crisis The Young Street overpass has become one of Portsmouth’s better-known homeless encampment areas, with officers frequently responding to calls involving: Fires Overdoses Trash accumulation Trespassing Mental health crises People living out of vehicles Police often find themselves in a difficult position. The campers need warmth, food, and shelter — especially during cold weather — but the conditions can become dangerous both for the people living there and for the surrounding community. 🚨 A Problem Bigger Than Policing Like many recent calls tied to homelessness in Portsmouth, this situation ended with warnings rather than arrests. But it also highlights the larger issue city leaders continue to face: People with nowhere to go are building makeshift lives in places never meant for human habitation — under bridges, inside condemned homes, behind businesses, and along hillsides across the city. And until long-term housing, treatment, and mental health resources expand, camps like the one under the Young Street overpass will likely continue growing — along with the risks that come with them.

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