Garage Conversions
The deaths recently in two converted garage apartments could possibly have been avoided if there had been smoke detectors installed (“Rigid Zoning Laws Compound Garage Apartment Problem,” April 6).
A few years back, when a city ordinance was passed requiring smoke detectors in apartment houses, the Fire Department went around checking to see it they had been installed. If not, the owner was given 30 days to comply.
I think the Fire Department should search out the illegal garage apartments by going house to house and, if there is no smoke detector in the converted garage, give the owner 30 days to comply. This should save some lives.
Then the city can decide what they are going to do regarding the illegal garage apartments.
KEN KAITSCHUCK
North Hollywood
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