re: #384 lawhawk

The CO wildfires continue spreading and causing untold damage and misery for all those affected. With wildfires an annual occurrence and damage to property and loss of life an all too common problem, shouldn’t states consider changing their building codes and zoning laws to make the structures more fire resistant, up to and including rules about fire breaks, making structures more fire resistant, and requiring brush to be cleared on a regular basis.

Structures that have interior and/or exterior sprinklers and fire-resistant roofs and siding are less likely to get burned to the ground than other structures. Having landscaping that is set away from the buildings and less likely to be burned will likewise reduce the spread of the fires and the damage done.

Uh huh.

Here in Houston not so long ago four firefighters lost their lives while battling a blaze. The fire was in a hotel, built in 1960, which did not have sprinklers or other fire protection systems. Codes (such as they are) were not made retroactive.

So the commission discussed updating the codes (again), and some of the commissioners objected. ‘We need to balance safety with costs to businesses.’

You’re right but it’s unlikely to happen.