Beverly Hills : Tougher Fire Code Urged
Fire Chief William M. Daley has recommended toughening the city’s Fire Code with two new requirements, for fire-retardant roofing and electronic smoke detectors.
Daley told City Council members at an informal session Tuesday that all new and replacement roofing should be made of material designated by Underwriters Laboratories as Class A, or resistant to severe fire exposure. The current code requires only Class C material, resistant to light fire exposure.
“There are a significant number of (Class A) roofing materials that are affordable and attractive,” Daley said. “They have a life span of up to 50 years.”
Daley also recommended amending the Fire Code to require electronic smoke detectors in all existing single-family and duplex houses not covered by the current code. Installation would be mandatory within one year of the change.
Mayor Max Salter and the two other council members present, Vicki Reynolds and Bernard J. Hecht, said they would support the chief’s recommendations.
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