Meeker Calls for Study of Raleigh Fire Codes

Raleigh, N.C. — Less than two weeks after a fire ripped through a north Raleigh townhouse complex, Mayor Charles Meeker on Tuesday called for an independent study of the city's fire codes.

Meeker asked City Manager Russell Allen to look at naming an outside committee to review the fire codes and recommend any necessary changes.

"If there are things that need to be changed, it's time the city make those changes," he said.

Meeker said he has several questions such as whether a more durable material like brick could have slowed the fire down. Any changes to the fire code, however, would likely need approval from the North Carolina Building Code Council.

The Feb. 22 fire at the Pine Knoll Townes complex destroyed 27 units and damaged 11 others. Authorities determined the fire was started by carelessly discarded smoking materials, and high winds fanned the flames.

The City Council on Tuesday also thanked dozens of firefighters for their work in battling the fire, which was one of the biggest in recent city history.