Wood Roofs

Your story (Metro, Sept. 29) about the city’s recent discovery that only the state has authority to ban flammable wood roofs would be tragic if that were the last word on the subject.

Luckily, it is not. I am currently carrying SB 651 in the state Senate, which would accomplish precisely the objective the Los Angeles City Council sought and was unable to do: require that all new buildings have non-combustible roofs, and that old roofs be repaired with treated wood shingles or non-flammable materials when replaced. As a bonus, it grants local jurisdictions authority to establish stricter roofing standards if fire hazards or other conditions make it appropriate to do so.

Although my bill faces stiff opposition from the timber industry, the nearly annual ritual of rows of wood-roofed homes going up in flames has become too macabre to be allowed to continue.

SEN. DIANE E. WATSON

D-Los Angeles