profette_IHB
New member
<img height="739" alt="Building on the Edge" width="861" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/10/27/us/28threat_graphic.full.jpg" />
Building in Fire Susceptible Areas
- Thread starter profette_IHB
- Start date
NEW -> Contingent Buyer Assistance Program
EvaLSeraphim_IHB
New member
San Diego County is a tough place not to run into the interface. The geography has little flat plain. I wish the graphic (or accompanying story) would have discussed the effect of the building code and zoning(?) changes that require fire resistant materials for the homes and defensible space for the communities. The LA Times had an article discussing Stevenson Ranch in Santa Clarita(?), and how the code changes made a big difference in terms of the number of home threatened in that community versus others.
It sends me through the roof, though, when news articles tell of firefighters spending their time having move woodpiles away from structures, as well as trimming trees and having to <em>create</em> defensible space once a home is in a threatened area. I get why seniors and disabled folk might not be able to do the home maintenance, but others? The firefighters should be spending their time fighting the fire, not doing the maintenance the homeowner was supposed to do.
It sends me through the roof, though, when news articles tell of firefighters spending their time having move woodpiles away from structures, as well as trimming trees and having to <em>create</em> defensible space once a home is in a threatened area. I get why seniors and disabled folk might not be able to do the home maintenance, but others? The firefighters should be spending their time fighting the fire, not doing the maintenance the homeowner was supposed to do.
profette_IHB
New member
I agree Eva. It would seem that keeping a woodpile away from the house or trimming the trees would be such common sense. More enforcement?
EvaLSeraphim_IHB
New member
Yes, and the real motivators have been the insurance companies. Apparently, in some instances they have threatened to cancel coverage if you didn't meet certain goals by their deadlines. I know LA County had passed, and was enforcing, codes requiring clearance around homes. I think all Orange County did was "recommend" that people create defensible space. The OCFA had their "<a href="http://www.ocfa.org/ocfamain.asp?pgn1=3">got clearance?</a>" program last year (and maybe this year?), but I don't think they could issue fines.