Northern/Southern California Fire Prevention Officer’s

March 18, 2005

In Attendance:

Scott Alber - Marin County Fire

Norma Barajas - Rialto Fire

Daniel Bak - MD Fire Safety

Laura Blaul - Orange County Fire

Carmen Conti - San Bernardino Co Fire

Darren Drake - Nappa Fire

Ethan Foote - CDF

Joe Garcia - OSFM

Angela Giuliani - Santa Clara Fire

John Haberek - LA County Fire

Leslie Haberek - SFM

Paul Inoule - Milipitas Fire

Christina Jamison - Ventura County Fire

Ken Kraus - LA City Fire

Greg Lake - Sac Metro Fire

Ricky Lewis - LA County Fire

Kent Miller - Stockton Fire

Rodger Maggio - Gilroy

Dennis Matthsen - Roseville Fire

Rick Terry - San Ramon Valley

Lorin Neyer - OSHPD

Bill Tyler - Novato Fire

Karyn Vaudreuil - Carlsbad Fire

Ethan Foote reported on the work of the SFM Advisory Committee (CalBO, FPOs, BIA, Insurance, and other stakeholders) on development of building standards for construction in the WUI – Chapter 7A Wildfire Exposure in CBC and Article 86A of CFC. One challenge was no research supporting 1-hour construction and the new approach is ignition resistance materials with standards for testing (ASTM). The Express Terms were distributed for comment….they will be developed and finaled prior to the May BSC meeting when they will be heard by the BSC as emergency regs that will be effective over a 2-year period (delay is due to mapping which needs to be updated to identify where the regs apply – to be updated every 5 years. Check it out at TOPOZONE.com). The fire code portion will not go through Commission but will serve as a guide for fire officials. Comments Back to Ethan or Leslie Haberek

Kent Miller distributed a copy of their draft standards for hydrogen distribution based on information found in NFPA, ICC, and CFC. They are proposed to become CFC 5204 of CFC. They will be meeting with industry this month to tour a facility and review the proposed regs. Regulations should be done by summer. Leslie Haberek asked that the SFM be involved now.

Lorin Neyer of North reported on the work of the BSC Committee done while waiting for the code decision. They are developing a guide to state licensed facilities, which is nearing completion. They will send to South for review and are collecting questions for a Q&A section. This comprehensive, illustrate guide includes building and fire provisions for E-3’s and R’s and will eventually be available on web. SFM will begin participating and will also review the document. Classes will follow and the committee will review current code provisions in an attempt to ensure they are clarified when rewritten into the I- codes. They also discussed legislation including a bill excluding some skilled nursing facilities from getting a permit, which passed. They are looking forward to working on the code now and necessary training now that the decision is made.

Christina Jamison of the South reported on the adult cay care reg petition was proposed and accepted by the SFM but were recently withdrawn from the rulemaking process for further review by stakeholders. They also worked on the implementation issues with NFPA, legislation for sprinklers in RCFEs for the elderly, and SB 1896 regs.

Scott Alber of the North reported that they submitted a code change proposal to the SFM addressing the distance of hydrants from portable school buildings the incorporate the SFM/DSA memo outlining provisions.

John Haberek mentioned that the fire service isn’t represented well at the BSC Advisory committee meetings while CalBO and other stakeholders are….we need to show up to have a voice. Scott Alber and Lorin will monitor and attend as needed.

John Haberek reported on the CalChief Leg Task Force meeting on March 10. Some of the new ones of interest include: SB 516 – sprinkler protection in RCFEs for elderly. Need letters from depts. supporting the legislation and get ready to take action. We also need to work with DSS staff who lead the charge to kill AB 2065 last year. AB 923 and AB 1296 – fireworks industry bill that proposes a fund for disposal of fireworks BUT allows a second fireworks season over New Years - CalChiefs requesting letters of opposition. AB 292 farm housing, AB 304 building standards, AB 389 farm housing, AB 403 propane sales, AB 560 fire protection, AB 1194 emergency exits (post-Station Fire bill regulating assembly occs with performances), AB 1205 on developer fees, AB 1327 CalARP/CUPA, AB 1718 chimney screens, SB 40 SB 224 OSHPD construction, SB 321 developer fees, SB 725 compensation to landowner if regs make property un-buildable. Federal bills SB 512 and HR 1131 changing tax write-off period for fire sprinklers from 27.5 to 5 years. Look up bills at www.leginfo.ca.gov and give input to John or Gene Gantt.

Participation in committees of specific interest to fire service, e.g., NFPA 52 on hydrogen, was discussed. Members may be able to join as regulators or, through CSFA, as labor. Need to get an interest list to Ray Bizal.

We need to organize to assist the state and also develop a local package. There is a document that adds state amendments to the 2000 IFC but unclear if it is BSC direction to maintain the same level of safety or if we can minimize amendments and accept a new approach. The document needs review and there is lots of work to do to develop the CBC package. We also need clarification on whether each change needs to go through the justification process (9 point criteria) or if exceptions will be made. SFMs goal is to have the package done by May ’06 and will be providing status reports on progress to the BSC every 2 months.