Last month, the Lubbock Avalanche Journal reported that though wildfire season typically begins in March, West Texas is seeing wildfires even earlier in the year. As a result, lots of communities have a plan of action for wildfires. But how many Texas communities perform a dry run before an emergency actually happens? So far, only […]
Fire chief suggests banning gas grills on condo decks after Friday fire in Osage Beach (MO)
The fire here at the Compass Pointe Condos in Osage Beach was knocked down rather quickly on Friday, but it did leave behind a lot of damage. The fire chief says when his crews pulled up to the building, it was a familiar sight. “When we pulled up four years ago to this call, what […]
Wildfire and emergency evacuation drill in Comanche Trail neighborhood is attempt at creating shareable program for vulnerable communities (TX)
As part of a preparedness exercise event organizers are calling the first of its kind for the state of Texas, a Western Travis County neighborhood will undergo a wildfire and emergency evacuation drill. The drill will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 2 in the Comanche Trail neighborhood. A press release states the exercise […]
Rep. Thompson hosts ‘fire resiliency summit’ in Lake County (CA)
At a public meeting on fire response and resiliency hosted by Rep. Mike Thompson, Lake County residents called for more cooperation between governmental agencies and community organizations in combating the area’s wildfire-related issues. Sitting on a panel alongside Lake County District 1 Supervisor Moke Simon, Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit Chief Shana Jones, Mendocino National Forest […]
Red Rock Ranch chosen for Firewise pilot program (CO)
The Waldo Canyon Fire was just miles away in 2012. Then, the Black Forest Fire burned across I-25 in 2013. Residents in the Red Rock Ranch HOA have watched mammoth wildfires burn all around them. Now, they’re turning that fear into action. The HOA of more than 200 homes became a Firewise community in 2017 […]
Residents near Mayacama Golf Glub partner with Cal Fire, parks officials on wildfire prevention (CA)
Jonathan Wilhelm had to quickly evacuate his home in the remote Larkfield-Wikiup area when the 2017 Tubbs fire threatened to torch his property. When he and his neighbors were cleared to go back to their houses, the devastation could be seen around their small Mayacama community, he said. In the aftermath, Wilhelm and a group […]
Australia: Cladding fire risks have been known for years. Lives depend on acting now, with no more delays
The fire at the Neo200 building on Spencer Street in the Melbourne CBD this week has eerie similarities to the Grenfell Tower disaster. Fortunately, instead of 72 people dead as at Grenfell, only one person was hospitalised for smoke inhalation. Nevertheless, the building industry has responded straight from the Grenfell song sheet. Rydon, the main contractor […]
SF family wondering why new carbon monoxide detectors didn’t alarm despite high levels in condo (CA)
It may be time for you to install a new carbon monoxide detector in your home. A California law that went into effect in 2011 requires carbon monoxide detectors in residences. The detectors have a seven to 10-year life span, meaning many are due to be replaced. But just because you replace them doesn’t mean […]
Marin becomes fastest-growing ‘Firewise’ county in the country (CA)
As the wildfire risk continues to be a top concern, communities across Marin — more than any county in the state — are embracing a national fire prevention program, becoming the fastest-growing participant in the country. There are 31 Marin communities that have earned the recognition of Firewise USA, a program managed by the National […]
Keep Your Chicago Condominium Fire Safe! (IL)
If you are a property owner in Chicago, one of the most important aspects of your property ownership is ensuring the fire safety of your tenants and your building. This includes regular fire safety equipment inspections, maintenance, and following all new regulations. This helps you to avoid costly penalties and to make sure that your […]
Cascade Shores residents talk fire danger, safety measures (CA)
Cascade Shores residents packed into the community’s firehouse earlier this month, with the standing-room-only crowd intent on discussing its vulnerability to wildfire. The lessons of November’s Camp Fire, with the destruction of Paradise and the loss of nearly 100 lives, cuts a little too close to home for the neighborhood of approximately 1,000 residents on […]
Local group hopes dozens of goats will help lower the risk of wildfires (NM)
Dozens of goats are invading a neighborhood in Albuquerque’s heights. Monday, the Sandia Heights Homeowners Association started a “goatscaping” test at Domingo Baca Arroyo. Read the article………………….
Fire Safety Procedures for High-rise Condo Buildings (ON)
High-rise condo buildings include life safety systems designed to protect occupants. In the event of a fire, procedures high-rise condo dwellers should follow differ from other forms of housing. Read the article………………….
Communities working to gain fire safety designation in Converse (TX)
Converse Fire Department leaders are looking to help nearly 20 communities gain a Firewise designation, in an effort between communities and city and state leaders to promote fire safety in the areas where wild land and urban neighborhoods meet. Read the article………………….
Mayor Caldwell vetoes bill giving condo owners more time to comply with fire safety law (HI)
Mayor Kirk Caldwell today vetoed a bill that would have given condo owners an extra two years to comply with requirements of a fire-safety law enacted in the wake of the fatal Marco Polo fire in 2017. The City Council last week by an 8-0 vote passed Bill 72, which gave condo owners an extra […]
The Condominium Fire Sprinkler Retrofit and Engineered Life Safety Requirements (FL)
There appears to be some confusion surrounding the compliance date of the Engineered Life Safety System for those condominium associations that previously voted to opt out of the requirement to install condominium fire sprinkler retrofit. What is not confusing is that the safety of all occupants living in high-rise condominiums is paramount. No one wants […]
North Tahoe homeowners nationally recognized for fire safety (NV)
Carnelian Woods Townhouse Association on Lake Tahoe’s north shore as been nationally recognized for its efforts to reduce the vulnerability of its homes and landscapes to wildfires; with the Firewise USA designation. It’s now the first Firewise USA designation community in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Read the article……………….
What You Need to Know About Fire Alarm Maintenance (CA)
As a board member, your homeowners trust you to keep the community safe and well-maintained. Fire alarm systems are one of the main requirements to keep homes safe and having them inspected, tested and serviced is crucial. Read on to learn everything you need to know about short and long-term fire alarm maintenance. Read the article………………
Community reflects on lessons learned from 2013 wildfire (CO)
Nearly a 100-mile drive from where the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history tore through Black Forest near Colorado Springs, John Van Doren worried about his own community in the foothills surrounding the mountain town of Bailey. Read the article………………Since becoming president of his homeowners association, Van Doren has become a big proponent of fire […]
No fire response in Bernath Place due to a failed bridge inspection (FL)
The Avalon Fire Department informed the homeowners association by letter in the spring, that they cannot use the bridge that leads to the neighborhood, after it failed an inspection. Michael Farrow, President of the Bernath Place homeowner’s association says other emergency services have not been stopped. Read the article………………
Keeping the Flames at Bay: Wildfire Prevention Tips for Property Managers
Wildfires in British Columbia, the US capital – and, indeed, around the world – have turned a red-hot spotlight on the risks of fire and smoke damage for commercial and residential properties. And while there’s much that property owners/managers can do to address fire damage after the fact, there are key preventive measures they can […]
3 Fire Safety Precautions You Must Take This Summer
I love the summertime. To me, nothing’s better than having my kids and grandkids over for a swim in the pool – following it up with a barbecue. Believe me, nothing beats being the grandpa with a pool. I’ve always taken the time to explain to my grandkids how we stay safe when on my […]
Promoting Fire Safety in Your Community Association
Part of your job as a board member is ensuring the safety of residents in your community association. To that end, it’s important to educate homeowners about possible fire risks and the steps they can take to prevent fire hazards in their homes. Read the article……………….
It takes a community to prevent wildfires (NM)
You probably saw the front-page stories last week about the tough wildfire season coming up, and they had a lot of good information (“Bracing for the big one,” March 18). But there’s more to the good news, bad news story of wildfire and Santa Fe. It’s true that wildland fires are getting bigger and happening […]
Ireland: Basic high-rise fire safety not tackled in draft report, says taskforce member
“It has been made known to the chair of the task group that there have been a number of fire incidents in high-rise buildings in Ireland since the Grenfell Tower fire. The chair of the task group has failed to request this information from each fire authority.” The letter points out that the title of […]
Does your Condominium Association have a Fire-Safety Plan?
If you are running a high-rise condo, then fire safety may well be on your mind – especially after the high-profile apartment block fire in London. The fire involved a number of failures, some of which are not the responsibility of anyone but the builder or contractor doing updates. Read the article……………..
Yes, Something Can Be Done About Wildfires
On an autumn weekday here in Deschutes County, Oregon, a chain-saw roar ripped through a pine-scented neighborhood. Tree specialists were removing flammable lodgepole pines in Sunriver, a 4,000-home resort community. With summer crowds gone, the Sunriver Owners Association was reducing wildfire risk. This is a year when huge wildfires, characterized by exceptionally strong winds, continue […]
Fire safety concerns delay Milford Township condo plan (MI)
The project received preliminary site plan approval from planning officials last month, then hit a snag at the township board meeting Sept. 20, when Fire Chief Thomas Moore said there wasn’t enough room allowed in the plans for fire trucks to turn around. William Mazzara, trustee and board liaison to the planning commission, said it […]
Crazy House Rules Sometimes Make a Lot of Sense (NY)
At a co-op in Woodside, Queens, the house rules include a prohibition against locks with keys on bedroom doors. “Why would such a rule exist?” a mystified shareholder writes to the Ask Real Estate column in the New York Times. “And can we really expect the Co-op Bedroom Police to invade our bedrooms to check […]
We Must Work Together To Make Honolulu Safer After Fatal Condo Fire (HI)
The fatal fire at the Marco Polo Condominium drew international attention to the longstanding issue of how best to protect Honolulu residents living in high-rises without fire sprinklers. There are 358 residential high-rise condominium properties, as well as hundreds of other residential structures over 75 feet tall that do not have fire sprinkler systems, according […]
Fire, Code, Restoration & Safety Tips
Annually, as Fire Prevention Week approaches in October, billboards, public service announcements and the like pop up and heighten our awareness about the dangers of fire. Maybe your local fire department had an open house and the kids learned about what to do in a fire. All these things spark greater than usual interest, maybe […]
Condo Balcony Fires
Toronto Fire Services recently held a press conference about the increasing number of fires on condo balconies caused by cigarettes being carelessly tossed from balconies. At the time of the press conference, there had been 27 balcony fires causing over $300,000 in property damage, in comparison to a total of 25 balcony fires in all […]
Fireplace and Chimney Problems, Tips & Prevention
Most folks consider their fireplaces and chimneys to be indestructible parts of their home that require little or no maintenance. While masonry work is generally as close to maintenance-free as you can get, fireplaces and chimneys are more than just works of masonry: they are a part of your home’s heating system, which must effectively […]
Survive the Unthinkable: If a Wildfire Threatens Your Home
Families in some areas of Wyoming can be safe and secure one day and have their lives turned upside down by wildfires the next. To increase your safety and preparedness, we offer the following. Ready– Preparing for the fire threat. Be ready, be firewise, and create defensible space. Prepare before the threat of a wildfire […]
Flathead Valley Homeowners, Agencies Prepare For Fire Season (MT)
After that early visit and evaluation, Baginski spent three years clearing brush from within twenty feet of his house. Some of his neighbors started doing the same thing. Soon he was inviting Ulwelling and other fire experts to homeowners association meetings to connect his neighbors with grants and resources available to them. “We had an […]
Fire Safety Education for Your Neighborhood
When it comes to having a safe and peaceful community, it is the responsibility of everyone in the community to do their part to keep themselves and others safe. That is why education is so important in a close environment. In the area of fire safety, every little bit helps. Here are some tips for […]
Condominiums May Still Need to Install Engineered Life Safety System After Opting Out of Fire Sprinkler Retrofit
As our regular readers are aware from our previous posts on the subject, there are many questions Florida condominium associations face in determining whether their buildings must be retrofitted with a fire sprinkler system or Engineered Life Safety System (“ELSS”). While many Florida condominium associations voted to opt-out of installing fire sprinkler systems, there may […]
Promote fire safety, not substandard condo housing for the elderly
Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff, a paid lobbyist of Florida condominium associations, in an op-ed on Feb. 14, advocated for a bill that “would allow older high-rises to opt out of an ELSS [engineered life safety system] and, for those who do not or cannot, provides more time for installation of an ELSS beyond the current 2019 […]
BBQ on the Deck? — You May Cook More Than Your Steak!
Most insurance companies have a Loss Control Team that inspects communities periodically to assess potential threats. After the inspection they send a report to the board or manager with requirements and recommendations. One of the most common, and difficult items that come up in these inspections, are the BBQ grills on the decks or too […]
Fire Planning Tips for Seniors
A home fire is a terrifying moment for anyone, including seniors. If you are an older individual with limited mobility or impairments, it’s especially important you follow these four fire-planning tips because they could save your life. Read the article…………..
Is Your Fire Insurance Full of Hot Air?
It was one of the worst fires in Catskills history: The 396-unit Grandview Palace Condominiums, formerly the fabled Brown’s Hotel in the Borscht Belt, erupted in flames on April 14, 2012. Seven of its nine buildings were destroyed, though none of the residents died or were seriously injured. But the primary fire-insurance company declined to […]
Home Tips: What You Need to Know About Fire Extinguishers
You already know that home fires are more common during the holidays than at any other time of the year, with about 150 fires causing an astounding $8 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association. You’ve probably taught your children how to dial 911 in case a fire breaks out in […]
Advances in fire alarm technology
Fire alarm technology is an important consideration for any apartment building owner today. By installing a current system featuring the latest advances, facility owners and managers can better commit to the safety of an apartment building’s occupants and help to increase operational efficiency. Addressable notification technology for fire alarm systems uses targeted audio messaging that […]
Comply with Fire Alarm Requirements! (WA)
It’s cold outside, so thoughts turn to fire. As Q13 reported last month, Snohomish County fire officials recently confirmed that fifteen local condominium and apartment buildings are not updated with legally required fire alarms. The compliance crackdown came about a year after a fire killed a person in their Everett apartment on New Year’s Eve. […]
Turkey Deep-Fryers in Condominiums: Crispy and Delicious but Bad for You Financially
Deep fried turkey combines the deliciousness of a well-cooked turkey with the crispiness of deep-fried goodness. Thanksgiving is one of the few opportunities many families have to enjoy a deep-fried turkey because of the time and attention needed to use a deep-fryer, especially one able to handle a ten pound turkey. What can go wrong? […]
Fire Sprinkler Retrofitting (FL)
As you may be aware, the deadline for condominium associations to vote to forego retrofitting with a fire sprinkler system is rapidly approaching. Section 718.112(2)(l), Florida Statutes, requires certain condominium associations to retrofit their common elements, association property, and units with a fire sprinkler system in accordance with Chapter 633 (“Florida’s Fire Prevention Code”) and […]
Planning for Wildfire in the Wildland-Urban Interface, Part 3: Defining the Wildland-Urban Interface, and Why It Matters
The “wildland-urban interface” is a term commonly used but seldom precisely understood. There is good reason for that: the meaning of the term varies tremendously. There are at least three important ways to think about the WUI: as a policy definition; as a legal definition; and as a variable concept that changes along with development […]
Four steps to improve local wildfire planning (ID)
The price of wildfire has never been higher. In 1995, fire made up 16 percent of the U.S. Forest Service’s annual appropriation budget; in 2015, wildfire consumed more than 50 percent of the agency’s budget. But the price of fire is also told in lost recreational opportunities, scarred landscapes adjacent to city centers, loss of […]
Planning for Wildfire in the Wildland-Urban Interface, Part 1: An Overview of WUI Wildfire Planning
On the blog, I plan to offer a series of posts that convey much of what we learned, and what we propose, that is applicable to wildfire planning not just to Idaho, but to communities throughout the West. Through the project, we also came to believe that wildfire planning is still very much in its […]