Cal Fire and San Luis Obispo city firefighters responded to the fire, which was quickly put out, but firefighters continued to mop up small smoldering grass fires. Cal Fire spokesmen said they would have more information after they were done with the scene.
Rancher Dan De Vaul has allowed many homeless to reside at the site in structures that the county code enforcement officers has said are not suitable for occupancy.
Before firefighters arrived, residents started putting the fire out with a hose.
De Vaul said it was one of the more elaborate tents on the compound that serves homeless residents, but he said it did not have electricity.
He was interviewed in an area near where workers had recently installed six “garden sheds” with some containing bunk beds.
De Vaul has advocates who praise his assistance to the homeless and detractors who say his site is an unsafe eyesore. But he has for years had ongoing disputes with county government over buildings that don’t have permits.
