Presenter: adopting WUI code preserves eligibility for state and federal wildfire assistance

Robert Fane, introduced as the planning and zoning member and the meeting's presenter, told the council that adopting the Wildland-Urban Interface code is essential to keep the town eligible for outside assistance if a wildfire crosses into state or federal lands. "If you don't, then the state and the federal government won't help you if you have a wildfire in your town that spreads to state or federal property," he said.

Fane described the ordinance as lengthy but necessary, noting it adopts state regulations and model codes. He said the county and state use the International Fire Code and related international building codes for inspections, and that Mantua's land-use code already covers many setbacks and placement practices the WUI code requires.