Homeless man builds cabin with washing machine and treadmill in public park
A homeless man has built a "ticking timebomb" cabin complete with washing machine and a treadmill in public park - after previously digging up the site with a stolen excavator in a misguided attempt to find buried treasure.
Steven Irwin erected the survivalist structure, which is equipped with amenities including a washing machine and even a treadmill, within Dr Jose Rizal Park in Seattle. Irwin claimed he had permission to build it although authorities have denied it.
The illegal cabin boasts fireplaces, propane heaters, multiple generators, and other utilities. Concerns have been raised about the safety hazards posed by the presence of combustible materials and exposed wires in the makeshift dwelling.
Previously, in October 2023, Irwin had allegedly stolen an excavator to excavate part of the site in a misguided quest for gold causing significant damage to the park and resulting in him facing legal repercussions for his actions.
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Locals think it is a "ticking time bomb" (KOMO)Andrea Suarez of We Heart Seattle, a homeless outreach group offering assistance to Irwin, expressed worries about the risks Irwin faces by inhabiting such an environment.
Suarez highlighted Irwin's belief that the park harbours valuable resources, likening it to a potential gold mine, further underscoring the severity of the situation.
We Heart Seattle's Andrea Suarez said it was "a ticking timebomb."
They told KOMO News: "He is digging into the slopes, building structures, tearing down trees, undoing thousands of dollars in repairs. There’s also a risk for him being in that environment. There are smells of kerosene, propane, and gasoline – there are three different forms of fuel down here, wires everywhere."
Trees have been destroyed (KOMO)Suarez added that the cabin goes beyond wanting just a cosy place in the park. He said: "He’s dreaming up that this is a gold mine, that he’s mining for diamonds, and that he is going to find gold and strike it rich."
Suarez is worried about the potential danger Irwin may unintentionally inflict on himself and others, and is alarmed that the homeless man has no plans to stop his building.
However, she said that could only be achieved if the city steps up to the plate and enforces the law.
“This is a call to action by law enforcement and Seattle Parks and Recreation to do something,” Suarez told the outlet.
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Law enforcement have been notified (KOMO)Irwin's actions have caused frustration among neighbouring residents, who have witnessed the ongoing destruction and called for intervention from law enforcement and city officials.
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“I’ve even offered to pay for his first six months of housing, and he said, ‘That’s great. I’m still going to keep my cabin in the woods," Suarez explains, frustrated.
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