Explosion at Sausalito encampment prompts emergency declaration

The City of Sausalito declared a state of emergency Thursday in the wake of an explosion and fire at an encampment at Marinship Park Wednesday.

A woman living at the encampment used a cigarette lighter to set two tents on fire, one of which contained a propane tank that exploded, according to police. Debra Ellen Hazelwood, 61, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of arson.

Sausalito Mayor Janelle Kellman said in a statement:

This state of emergency is a clear signal to county leaders that our small town needs extra resources, including money and manpower, to deal with this crisis.”

The mayor said the city has been working closely with Marin County officials and has repeatedly requested additional support from the county to help find permanent housing for unsheltered residents.

Mayor Kellman said:

While we appreciate the recent allocation of funds, it is not sufficient for the unique dynamic of our encampment, and we are asking for further help and support. … This is costing an overwhelming amount of taxpayer dollars, and private landowners have incurred significant losses. We are committed to working collaboratively with the county to reach a long-term solution.”

The county is the primary recipient of state and federal housing funds, according to the mayor.

The emergency declaration, called a “proclamation of a local emergency,” was signed by City Manager Chris Zapata, who is also Sausalito’s Director of Emergency Services. The town’s city council will decide whether to formally ratify the proclamation at its regular meeting February 15.

According to police, the Wednesday explosion was heard throughout Sausalito. Firefighters led officers to the northwest side of the tennis courts to a tent containing a propane tank that had exploded.

Two tents were destroyed in the explosion, including Hazelwood’s tent, police said.

According to police, Hazelwood admitted to setting the fire.