Oct 26 2007 12:08PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (1) |
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The fires that threaten communities from San Diego to north of L.A. still rage in some areas, threatening hundreds of homes. Already 1600 houses have burned. But before the flames even settle into embers, finger-pointing has begun. A Los Angeles Times article (See Here) praises new homes for their fire-resistance and expresses concerns about older homes. It raises issues of improved codes and restrictions on home building sites.

Much of the current fire code was put in place after the 1993 fires. It would seem reasonable to assume that there will be more calls for stricter fire control techniques in new home construction as a result of these fires. The California Building Industry Association seems to have anticipated that as well. Yesterday they issued a statement in response to the LA Times article, extolling how carefully California home builders abide by the codes. (See Here)

Of greatest concern to them will be the push to restrict areas of home building from high-risk fire areas. That restriction tied in with what is looming to be increased code requirements has builders gearing up for a fight. And the flames are still spreading.