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Podcasts Take Two
Gap in law leaves many LA residential high-rises without sprinkler systems (Poll)
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Feb 12, 2014
Listen • 6:31
Gap in law leaves many LA residential high-rises without sprinkler systems (Poll)
City law exempts pre-1974 high-rise residences from having sprinklers. Fire officials say this is bad policy. The condo industry says the cost doesn't match the risk.
L,A. City Fire Inspector Molina points out older high-rise buildings without fire sprinklers to KPCC's Karen Foshay at Wilshire Blvd. and Selby Ave.
L,A. City Fire Inspector Molina points out older high-rise buildings without fire sprinklers to KPCC's Karen Foshay at Wilshire Blvd. and Selby Ave.
(
Frank Stoltze/ KPCC
)
Older high rise residential buildings in Los Angeles like Barrington Plaza in West L.A. are not required to have sprinkler systems.
Older high rise residential buildings in Los Angeles like Barrington Plaza in West L.A. are not required to have sprinkler systems.
(
Frank Stoltze/ KPCC
)
Some high-rise residential buildings in L.A. have fire hoses on each floor. But pre-1974 buildings are not required to have sprinkler systems.
Some high-rise residential buildings in L.A. have fire hoses on each floor. But pre-1974 buildings are not required to have sprinkler systems.
(
Frank Stoltze/ KPCC
)

City law exempts pre-1974 high-rise residences from having sprinklers. Fire officials say this is bad policy. The condo industry says the cost doesn't match the risk.

A fire in a high-rise apartment building in Los Angeles last fall has brought renewed attention to an old problem: dozens of high rise apartments and condos in the city don't have sprinklers.

As KPCC's Frank Stoltze reports, they don't have to, and that has fire officials worried that a deadly disaster is inevitable.  

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KPCC's online polls are not scientific surveys of local or national opinion. Rather, they are designed as a way for our audience members to engage with each other and share their views. Let us know what you think on our Facebook page, facebook.com/kpcc, or in the comments below.

This story was co-reported with KPCC investigative producer, Karen Foshay.