Officials Issue Warning on Illegal Security Bars

Citing concern over preventable fire deaths, city officials announced a program Thursday to get homeowners to remove illegally installed security bars from windows throughout Los Angeles.

In October, the Fire Department will launch a public education campaign to have illegal bars removed, while building inspectors will step up efforts to cite those with the dangerous security devices, according to Fire Capt. Steve Ruda.

Fire officials estimate that there are 10,000 homes in the city with illegal security bars.

Citing the deaths of 26 Los Angeles residents in home fires last year, City Council President Alex Padilla said some of them might have escaped if it had not been for security bars.

He said Thursday that he will ask the council next week to create a task force to plan ways to eliminate the illegally installed bars, including setting up a program to provide financial assistance to low-income families.