While cleaning the dryer vent is not on the top of every owner’s to-do list, it is a crucial activity that, when neglected, can cause increased energy bills, expensive dryer repairs, and dangerous fire hazards. Thankfully, taking measures to keep these problems from arising is simple, only necessitating preventative dryer vent care. Read the entire […]
Four Bend Neighborhoods Join Firewise (OR)
Four neighborhoods in the Bend area and one in Canyon City in Grant County joined the national Firewise program last year and were among 182 communities across the state that conducted a variety of projects from cutting brush to thinning overcrowded stands of trees, to clearing brush away from evacuation routes and promoting education and […]
Fire Pits: How HOA & Condo Boards Can Safely Permit this Popular Trend
How do homeowners associations foster community when having neighbors over for dinner or using the clubhouse cannot be done safely because of COVID-19? As residents look for safe ways to socialize, some are asking board members to allow propane-operated fire pits for outdoor enjoyment during the fall, spring, and summer seasons. Read the article………………………………….
Indian Creek Property Owners Association schedules mitigation work March 20 (CO)
Indian Creek Property Owners Association will be conducting ITS 4th Fire Mitigation Workday of 2021 on Saturday, March 20. Their continuing momentum has more Indian Creek residents joining their “posse,” having fun, learning the benefits of fire mitigation, and little by little, making Indian Creek and Teller County safer. Read the article………………………………..
Saskatoon firefighters find faulty systems at condo building, spend hours overseeing repairs (SK)
The Saskatoon Fire Department spent around five-and-a-half hours at a condo building Friday night to oversee the repair of fire and life-safety systems they discovered weren’t working properly. During a recent call to a highrise at 1416 20th St. W., Saskatoon firefighters became aware of issues with the fire alarm system, sprinkler system and fire […]
Firestop Materials Attack Sprinkler Pipes! (CA)
We sometimes find irony in our construction defect cases. Here’s one: building products intended to increase safety turn out to be incompatible, leading to safety failures! One such issue involves chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) fire sprinkler piping and incompatible firestopping sealants installed around the piping. Incompatible sealants in contact with the CPVC can cause systemic […]
When The Wilderness Meets The Urban, Homeowners And Neighbors Are On Their Own Against Wildfires (CO)
Climate change likely means more and bigger fires. And as more people live in risky areas, wildfire mitigation becomes more critical. For the most part, it’s up to residents to do the work to protect their homes. Individuals can do a lot, but if a neighbor hasn’t cleared dead material, kept the lawn green, and […]
HOA 1st certified as Firewise (AZ)
Catherine Knox is excited that she and her neighbors are the only one of their kind in Sedona. But, she’s hoping that distinction won’t last long. Knox and the 33 other homeowners that make up the Cottages at Coffeepot HOA are being recognized as the only homeowners association or community within the Sedona Fire District […]
Plumbing Torch Fire Safety
Quite often the headline reads “Plumbers Torch Blamed for Fire, Home Destroyed” while some of the headlines may not be accurate, enough of them are. In my opinion far too many fires are caused by careless use of a plumbing torch. Each Year in the US approximately 5,580 fires amounting to $208,000,000 damages are listed […]
Outdoor grilling activists in Florida take protesting to a searing new level (FL)
If the culmination of last week’s election has created a void in your life, an empty spot where righteous protest used to exist, let me suggest an area of grievance you may not have considered. Outdoor barbecue grills. In Florida, residents of a Clearwater adults-only condo community are leading the way on this, taking to […]
Condo living has its own challenges when it comes to fire safety. Here is a prevention checklist. (VA)
October is Fire Safety Month, with Fire Prevention Week beginning Sunday, Oct. 4, and ending on Saturday, Oct.10. Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association has run an annual campaign to help educate the public on fire safety in effort to reduce the number of deaths caused by fire. Read the article…………………………..
Fire Code Inspections (ON)
As the Province of Ontario continues with its Re-Opening Plan, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to create challenges for some condominium corporations as relates to Fire Code1 compliance. Read the article………………………………
Fire extinguishers recommended for condo dwellers (BC)
Local governments can’t mandate changes to sprinklers for condo buildings, in the wake of a second condo-destroying fire, according to the Township’s fire chief. Earlier this summer, Township Councillor Bob Long asked whether the Township could order that condos be retrofitted with sprinklers, or equipped with fire extinguishers on upper balconies. Read the article…………………………………
Roadmaps for Wildfire Mitigation Provide Guidance for Suburban Neighborhoods
New wildfire guidelines from an insurance industry home safety organization offer guidance for adapting suburban communities to the growing threat of wildfire. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) said its Suburban Wildfire Adaptation Roadmaps offer a detailed examination of wildfire vulnerabilities and specific solutions that can limit the catastrophic reach of wildfire […]
Webinar: Fire Safety Plans with National Life Safety Group (ON)
Last week, we were treated to a special presentation on fire safety in condo buildings by Jason Reid of National Life Safety Group. Jason covered topics such as: Read the article……………………………..
Fireworks Within Community Associations Spark Complaints and Liabilities (FL)
With the approaching July 4th holiday weekend community associations are on high alert and warning residents of the consequences and potential dangers of violating rules which prohibit setting off fireworks and the like. Read the article…………………………..
Baca Grande POA receives grant to prepare for wildfires (CO)
The Baca Grande Property Owners Association has received a $245,000 2019 State Fire Assistance grant to reduce the wildfire risk within the community, with an emphasis on creating healthier, more fire-resistant common lands. Baca Grande POA applied for the grant in partnership with the Colorado State Forest Service. The Colorado State Forest Service works with […]
Door County firefighters: Sister Bay condominium fire shows why to sleep with door shut (WI)
Investigation continues into a fire that ignited a condo on Sister Bay’s main stretch, Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department Chief Chris Hecht said on Tuesday. After a Saturday night blaze at a Sister Bay condominium, Door County firefighters are using the incident to highlight the importance of the phrase “close before you doze” — in […]
Bend neighborhood clears overgrown trees, bushes to prepare for wildfire season (OR)
A small group of residents in Bend’s Tillicum Village walked through their neighborhood Friday to assess the progress they made to protect the area from wildfire. Bert Neumaier, a Tillicum Village resident who organizes the volunteer effort through the national program, Firewise USA, was pleased with what he saw. Read the article……………………………
Fighting Fire with Fire Wise Leadership and Action (CA)
More than 200+ members and residents attended the standing-room-only Town Hall Meeting on Feb. 27 in the Cedar Room at The Oaks Clubhouse. Organized by the Public Safety Committee and the Fire Wise Working Group, the program featured presentations by State and County fire officials and experts as well as LWA Board Director Randy Smith […]
Baca Grande POA recognized (CO)
The Baca Grande Property Owners Association has received an official designation as a Firewise USA® site after completing the criteria required by the national Firewise USA® Recognition Program. The Baca Grande community initially was a pilot Firewise USA® site in 2002. It gained recognition on Jan. 30 under the leadership of the newly formed Baca […]
Flame-shifting – Extinguishing Fire Code Violations (ON)
The City of Toronto recently hired over 300 new fire inspectors, pledging to inspect every high-rise building in the city at least once a year. The Fire Code adopts a broad definition of “owner”, and, as a result, the city may lay Fire Code charges against unit owners, condo corporations, property managers, management firms and […]
Ireland: ‘I’m fed up’: Owners of Sandyford apartments given deadline to pay for fire safety repairs
RESIDENTS OF AN apartment complex in south Dublin have been told the first installment of a possible €14,000 to repair fire safety defects is due at the end of this month. The Simonsridge development in Sandyford was one of 60 across the country included in a fire safety survey conducted by Keenan Property Management (KPM) […]
Residents in San Antonio Creek Neighborhood Applying Lessons Learned from Earlier Wildfires (CA)
A few movers and shakers in the foothills area of San Antonio Creek Road near Santa Barbara have been working steadily since the devastating 1990 Painted Cave Fire to improve fire safety and evacuation procedures in their neighborhood. Read the article…………………….
Australia: Combustible Cladding, Class Actions & Australian Consumer Law
One of the potential routes to recovery for strata owners faced with the cost of council orders requiring the replacement of combustible cladding may be actions against the manufacturers under the Australian Consumer Law. At present Federal Court Class Actions are on foot representing all person who are effected by the apparent failure of Alucobond […]
Unincorporated homeowners feel the financial pinch of fire safety (CA)
While waiting for the first rains of the year, one Glen Ellen neighborhood was busy tackling fire hazards by cutting back tall, dry grass; removing wood piles and overhead branches; and sweeping away leaves — all to comply with defensible space requirements. While costly, many agree the expense is worth the peace of mind. Area […]
Communication and Training Are Key Before Disaster Strikes (NY)
In New York City, there are numerous safety regulations governing commercial buildings and hotels, but they do not apply to co-ops, condos, or other residential buildings. Where commercial tenants practice drills and listen to safety directors on a regular basis, the residential sector is required only to pass out the Fire and Emergency Preparedness Guide. […]
5 feet or 10 feet, Which Is It? The Confusion Within The New Jersey Fire Code Regarding Portable Propane BBQ Grills
Everyone enjoys a good BBQ, and making sure they are safe should be a priority for any board in a community association. In the mid 2000’s, community associations throughout New Jersey saw a flurry of rule adoptions to comply with the New Jersey Fire Code at the time, which generally prohibited portable propane BBQ grills […]
Australia: Unit owners hit with big bills to ensure blocks comply with fire rules
Unit owners in some of Brisbane’s older apartment blocks are having to pay six-figure body corporate bills to install new water pumps and water storage facilities to ensure firefighters have sufficient water pressure to fight fires. Read the article……………………….
NFPA learning from Red Rock Ranch on fire mitigation (CO)
On a day when fire danger is the last thing on the minds of many, a Monument homeowners association helped establish a standard on fire mitigation. The Red Rock Ranch HOA hosted a meeting and community tour for top-ranking officials from the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado State Forest Service and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) […]
Midtown KC condo owners’ parking garage declared unsafe, closed by fire inspectors (MO)
They paid a lot for a Midtown condo complex parking space. Read the article…………………..But on Monday, Kansas City fire inspectors deemed their four-story parking garage unsafe, and shut it down. It’s the latest issue for owners of the Park Reserve Condominiums.
Two retirees now work to make their community safer from the threat of wildfire (NV)
Janet Ouren and Kathi Delegal met about six years ago, by chance, sharing a ride in a golf cart in Incline. That ride sparked a friendship and partnership between the two retirees that has paid dividends to the residents of ArrowCreek in south Reno. Working with the community’s homeowners association, the two have been the […]
Senior community in Sonoma County worries neighboring vineyard a fire threat (CA)
A small Sonoma County community is battling an international wine consortium over a small tract of land overgrown with high weeds. The many senior citizens that live in Creekside Village, just outside the town of Sonoma, don’t think the neighboring vineyard is very neighborly when it comes to clearing dry grasses. Read the article………………….
Weeds at shuttered golf course worry neighbors (CA)
As summer heats up and fire season becomes imminent, east Petaluma residents are sounding the alarm about a potentially flammable threat — dry grass at the shuttered Adobe Creek Golf Course. The 100-acre property has been minimally maintained since its owner, Adobe Investments LLC, shut down the 18-hole course at the start of 2017. Half […]
No sprinklers, fire alarms in ravaged Crystal Lake condo building (IL)
There were no fire-suppression sprinklers or fire alarms in a Crystal Lake condominium building gutted by a blaze early Wednesday morning, authorities said Thursday. Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department Deputy Chief Christopher Olsen confirmed the lack of sprinklers or alarms in the building at 540 Devonshire, in the city’s Coventry Club subdivision. Read the article……………………..
Hillside Residents Focus on the Serious Business of Fire Prevention (CA)
The Hiller Highlands has a tragic claim to fame. In October of 1991, a wildfire fueled by strong winds swept across the dry Oakland Hills and destroyed all 1,800 of its homes. Bob Sieben moved to the neighborhood after it was rebuilt, and started organizing a yearly day during which homeowners and volunteers cleared flammable […]
Helping Seniors Survive The Hazards Of High-Rise Living In Honolulu (HI)
When a fire erupted in his high-rise condominium building, Roy Mogi, 83, evacuated down six flights of stairs and crossed safely to the other side of the street. Then he collapsed, and his head slammed against the pavement. He died of blunt force trauma. Honolulu Fire Capt. Scott Seguirant said it’s not known whether exhaustion […]
Things You Need to Know About Fireworks in Your Association (IL)
While Fourth of July fireworks are often a big part of American celebrations, they can pose damage to both people and property. As the Independence Day holiday approaches, Associations should remind their residents of the fireworks rules and regulations that are in place in order to keep the community safe. Below are three levels of […]
New FEMA podcast on building fire-adapted communities
Today, FEMA released the podcast “Advancing Wildfire Resilience through the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network.” Since 2013, the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network (FAC Net) has connected and supported people and communities who are striving to live more safely with wildfire. FAC Net serves as a catalyst for spreading best practices and innovations in fire […]
Fire Prevention, Preparedness & Recovery
Fire prevention and preparation are crucial to decreasing the number of injuries and deaths from this disaster. In 2012, there were 2,855 deaths and 16,500 injuries across the United States related to fires.1 To combat this, people need to be educated in responses and steps to take to avoid or respond to fire, should it […]
Forest Park celebrates firewise with brush dumpster (AZ)
To celebrate Firewise Week, the Forest Park Homeowners Association rented a dumpster for residents to toss clippings and brush. The community has worked hard to follow the Firewise guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association. The effort has paid off, NFPA recognizes Forest Park as a National Firewise Community. Read the article………………………
Florida drags feet for decades on fire safety for condos
Man discovered fire hundreds of thousands of years ago. And for almost that long, or so it seems, politicians and taxpayers in Florida have been arguing about fire. It’s fire safety, to be specific, and whether high-rise condos should be required to be retrofitted with sprinkler systems in case of fire. Read the article………………………
How to Prepare Your Community for a Wildfire
Every year, more and more people are forced to flee their homes because of wildfires. These fires have been growing in both size and frequency, and today more than 4 million U.S. households are located in areas that are under extreme wildfire danger. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to help protect your […]
Barbecuing 101: To Ban or Not to Ban? (NY)
Summer’s almost here, and co-op and condo boards are about to get reminded that there’s nothing simple about a simple summer barbecue. In regulating or banning barbecuing, boards need to consider the Fire Department of New York’s (FDNY) stringent regulations, inconvenience to neighbors from smoke and noise and smells, as well as insurance and legal […]
Condo owners, firefighters at odds over sprinkler requirements (FL)
The final week of the legislative session could finally bring an end to a long-running battle over condo fire sprinklers. In the 1990s, Florida law was changed to require all new high-rises in the state be outfitted with fire sprinkler systems. A decade or so later, existing hotels and timeshare complexes over 75 feet tall […]
Voters OK creating zones of benefit to fund fire hazard abatements in Rivieras (CA)
Property owners have voted in favor of creating benefit zones to fund wildfire fuel reduction along roadways in the high-fire-risk Rivieras area of Kelseyville in supervisory district 5. Ballots were counted by Lake County staff Tuesday during a board of supervisors meeting, and while no action was taken by the board, a resolution to create […]
California’s secret wildfire weapon: Goats, sheep chew through flammable grass, brush
They’re small, ill-tempered, incessantly hungry and if given the chance, they could play a much larger role in preventing the next round of California’s deadly wildfires. In a vast field adjacent a community college and over the fence from a state prison, about 200 goats are gnawing their way through a thicket of green foxtails […]
Frustrations building as fire alarm violations still aren’t fixed at midtown condos (MO)
Frustrations are building for people living in a midtown Kansas City condominium complex where several fire code issues still haven’t been addressed. The developer of the Park Reserve Condominiums, Wayne Reeder, and the Park Reserve Homeowners Association are in a tense back-and-forth over who should be responsible for fixing the fire alarm and sprinkler system. […]
Summit Park homeowners take lead in fire mitigation (UT)
It may seem unusual to be talking about the threat of wildland fires when there is still several feet of snow on the ground. But, Summit Park homeowner Mike Quinones said now is the perfect time to begin preparing for the upcoming fire season. Read the article…………………….
Fire Sprinklers now being required for older high rise condos (FL)
Legislation is set to be heard by a Senate committee next week that would require older high rise condominiums in Florida to have sprinkler systems by January 2023. The measure says the multi-family buildings, mostly built in the 1960s and 80s, need to have sprinkler systems in each condo unit, or at to at least […]