EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso County commissioners are set to decide on a proposal to establish the county’s first unified fire code and implement new safety standards for outdoor businesses. The plan aims to enhance fire safety outside city limits by adopting the 2021 International Fire Code and updating the county’s outdoor business order. This would require businesses such as junkyards and salvage yards to obtain a $25 license and adhere to new safety regulations, including the storage of flammable materials, fencing, and trash management. Violations could result in daily fines of up to $500.

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County Commissioner Jackie Butler emphasized the focus on prevention, stating, “A lot of what we’re trying to do with the unified fire code and an outdoor business order is focused on prevention.” She added that the proposed rules, such as fencing requirements, aim to address fire safety issues in unincorporated areas.

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The proposal follows reports of more than a dozen fires at outdoor businesses since 2019. It also outlines three options for establishing a new county fire marshal’s office, ranging from a small two-person team to a full department with over 25 staff. The costs for these options vary from approximately $450,000 to nearly $2.7 million. If approved, the county could begin hiring for the fire marshal’s office by October 2026. The new fire code could take effect as early as April next year.

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