Uptick in Trespassing at Vacant Bristol, Virginia Buildings Prompt Safety Concerns

Abandoned Structures, a Perfect Hideout

In an unfortunate turn of events, the peaceful city of Bristol, Virginia is noticing a troubling rise in homeless inhabitants taking shelter in its vacant buildings. Several fire incidents have been reported in these structures, stirring safety concerns among city officials.

A recent incident involves a fire at the former Virginia Intermont campus that has been deemed suspicious by the local Fire Department. They believe trespassers ignited trash in what used to be an indoor swimming pool.

“There are concerns that another fire could happen,” warns Josh Slagle, property maintenance official for the city of Bristol, Virginia. “The buildings have sat vacant for coming on 10 years — they are in a derelict condition, the structures are not in good shape, they are in a dangerous state.”

Past Incidents Raise Alarm

Earlier this year, in the chilly month of January, a historic school building in Bristol, Virginia, was destroyed. The fire department’s investigation concluded that unsheltered individuals, who sought refuge within its walls, were responsible for the fire accident, causing significant damage.

Local authorities fear that such incidents might increase due to the rising number of abandoned buildings across the city.

Trespassing, a Growing Nuisance

According to Slagle, encounters with vacant buildings where unauthorized individuals have set up camp or have engaged in damaging activities are far from rare. He says, “It is a common occurrence in every neighborhood in the city.”

A Cry for Help?

These incidents, though disconcerting, might indicate a deeper social issue in the city of Bristol – that of increasing homelessness. Oncoming winter months pose an existential threat to the unsheltered and might force them into derelict structures for seeking warmth and protection from harsh weather conditions.

Preventive Measures

When asked about potential measures to combat this issue, Slagle informs, “We attempt to contact the owner, let them know to board it up. In some instances, we are unable to contact the owners, so we wind up having to board it up ourselves and attach liens to compensate for the money to do that.”

Slagle urges citizens to be vigilant and notify law enforcement if they witness suspicious activities in or around vacant buildings.

A Hope for Resolution

The city is grappling with the dual challenge of rising homelessness and an increasing number of vacant buildings. Getting up to speed with this situation would require a multi-pronged approach that includes stronger building codes, active community participation, and more robust social services for the homeless.