Quick-Release Windows Bars: 'Inexpensive Versus A Life'

After witnessing house fire after house fire in the borderland claim people's lives because of wrought-iron bars on windows, it brings concern to many residents. And even though city code requires quick-release bars on windows, officials said that ordinance may be hard to enforce unless a new house is being built or an old house is being sold. So, what about the thousands of older homes? Thursday KFOX took a trip to Ramirez Iron Works, which specializes in wrought-iron frames on windows. Luis Ramirez said there are two basic models people can buy. One is a button that can be pushed from the inside that releases the bars on the outside in case of an emergency. The other model works the same but is a handle bar. That model may seem like an eyesore to some, but it is a little less expensive. Either way, Ramirez said there are too many people in El Paso who are violating the city ordinance and, more importantly, putting their families' lives in danger.

"Basically this will save a life; you have to have them,” said Ramirez. “Really, they're not very expensive versus a life.”

Replacing older bars for quick-release bars is about $95 to $125 a window, but if you’re putting up brand-new bars, they're only $35 a window.