Safety Problems Found With Nearly 270 Texas Buildings

A review finds nearly 270 downtown El Paso, Texas, buildings do not meet safety regulations.

The results were reported Tuesday to the El Paso City Council. Officials with the El Paso Fire Department will meet with downtown business owners to discuss improvements and city ordinances.

The review was prompted by an April fire that destroyed a structure where a gunfighter once practiced law. Nobody was hurt in the blaze at the John Wesley Hardin Building.

Fire Chief Otto Drozd says 726 buildings were inspected. He says 266 buildings do not meet safety codes, 348 meet codes and 112 others are vacant and need further inspection.

Problems include neglect, structural deterioration, exposed electrical wires and storage issues.