Building codes, clearance agreement limited fire damage

In 2013 Ralph Steinhoff retired after 29 and one-half years with the North County Fire Protection District and 10 and one-half years with the County of San Diego. Those 40 years included work on updates to building code standards which likely limited the destruction during the Lilac Fire.

“The building code made a lot of difference,” Steinhoff said.

Steinhoff has lived in Fallbrook since 1973 and joined the Fallbrook Fire Protection District July 3, 1973. In 1986 the Fallbrook Fire Protection District became the North County Fire Protection District after consolidating with the county service...