Georgetown City Council approves fire code changes after kennel fire

GEORGETOWN

Council approves fire code changes

The Georgetown City Council has unanimously approved changes to the city’s fire codes requiring all animal care facilities to install fire alarms.

Newly constructed facilities will have additional fire protection requirements. City officials said the changes make Georgetown’s fire codes one of the strongest in the nation when it comes to protecting pets and animals.

The city added pet care facility requirements to its ongoing discussions about changing the fire code after a Sept. 18 fire killed 75 pets at a boarding house. Fire investigators noted that indoor smoke conditions during the incident rapidly changed in just 12 minutes, making immediate notification essential to prevent loss of life in similar events in the future. .

Under the approved amendments, all existing facilities used for the temporary or permanent housing or care of animals must install a supervised fire alarm system within 18 months of the codes taking effect. The codes will come into effect on March 9. This would give existing facilities until September 2023 to bring their facilities into compliance with the new fire code standards.

To view details of facility incident and fire code updates: bit.ly/35axzuX.

From reports

NORTH AUSTIN

Bark for the Arc Wednesday

The Capital Region Arc is once again teaming up with canine therapy partner, Divine Canines, to host Bark for the Arc from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hopsquad Brewing Co., 2307 Kramer Lane.

The event is an art exhibit featuring original pet-inspired artwork created by local artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Artwork sales will benefit student artists, as well as programs and services provided by the Arc to Central Texans with disabilities. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to Divine Canines to help it continue its free canine therapy services to tens of thousands of people in need in central Texas.

Hopsquad will be offering $1 beers paired with a specialty pizza with proceeds supporting the Arc. This event will also kick off the Arc’s participation in Amplify Austin Day, the city’s 24-hour online fundraiser for 700 of Austin’s favorite nonprofits. Donations to Amplify Austin can be made at Bark for the Arc.

For information: arcaustin.org.

From reports