Fatal fire could inspire stricter code enforcement - KOTA Territory News

Fatal fire could inspire stricter code enforcement

Questions about the safety of that west Rapid City home that caught fire could lead to changes to city housing laws.

Twenty one people lived in five units in the house on 6th avenue. Residents say at least one two-bedroom unit housed six people, including four children.

While residents say the house was generally well maintained, Alderman Ritchie Nordstrom says he's working on an ordinance to put more regulation on low income housing.

He says he hopes to re-examine building codes and target substandard housing across the city.

Meanwhile, officials with Rapid City's building department insist there is no link between overcrowding and fire danger.

"Overcrowding doesn't cause fire danger, the contents cause fire danger," said Brad Solon, Rapid City Building Official.

Nordstrom says he won't present any ordinance until the families have had a chance to grieve and find new housing.