Dealing With Fire Before It Happens : Major roles for officials, builders, homeowners

In the aftermath of huge property losses, authorities in Malibu, Laguna Beach, Altadena and Thousands Oaks are considering toughening local building codes to ensure that new, rebuilt and remodeled homes will be more resistant in future fires. Preventive steps by builders and homeowners--whether voluntary or mandatory--are to be encouraged.

Take the efforts of Louis Hill. His non-combustible roof, window shutters, fire-resistant plants and private water supply helped to save his Malibu home. Similarly, fire-resistant fescue grass behind Rick Thyne’s home helped saved that Altadena structure.

The California state fire marshal’s office suggests:

--Use fire-resistant or non-combustible roofing materials. New minimum state requirements take effect in 1995, but localities should be stricter (some already are) and homeowners should act on their own before then.

--Eliminate roof eaves in high-risk fire areas. Any eaves that extend beyond exterior walls should be short or enclosed with fire-resistant materials. All roof vents and chimneys should be covered with non-flammable half-inch mesh screens.

--Enclose undersides of balconies and decks on slopes with fire-resistant materials.

--Use dual-paned windows and sliding glass doors or shutters.

--Use stucco or brick exteriors. If wood is used, install fire-retarding under-siding.

--Keep 30 feet around your home clear of highly flammable vegetation.

--Plant fire-resistant vegetation such as rosemary, African daisy or periwinkle.

--Install indoor sprinklers. Insurance companies should reward homeowners for fire-safe construction. Some now offer discounts, but only for smoke detectors and home alarms. Contrast that to auto insurance policies: Discounts go to good drivers and nonsmokers, and for air bags and anti-lock brakes. Why not give discounts for upgraded roofs or other anti-fire measures?

As rebuilding begins, public safety agencies and homeowners must also guard against the fly-by-night crowd. Some Laguna Beach fire victims made down payments to people promising to do cleanup but never saw them again. Some con artists have counterfeited police passes to get into fire-ravaged areas.

Heed the Contractors State License Board’s warning to hire only licensed contractors and to limit any up-front payment to the lesser of 10% of the job cost or $1,000.

Southern California fire victims are eager to rebuild homes and lives, but hasty decision-making, whether public or private, could inadvertently help fuel future fires.