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California Governor Supports Stricter Building Codes To Protect Homes From Wildfires

California Governor Gavin Newsom has reiterated his support for fire-resistant roofs and other features that can protect homes during mega-fires.

The governor cited reports that showed half the homes built to stricter building codes survived the November 2018 Camp Fire compared with 18 percent survival rate for older homes built with less stringent codes were effect. 

The Camp Fire destroyed nearly 19,000 buildings last year.

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But Newsom would not commit to supporting a bill that would create a $1-billion fund to provide Californians in high-risk fire areas with rebates and low-cost loans to pay for retrofits.

Six of the 10 most destructive wildfires in California history have come in the last 18 months.