Final answer:
Local fire and safety codes are enacted through local ordinances, reflecting efforts to protect public welfare that can be traced back to historic legislation like Britain's Public Health Act of 1848 and various smoke emissions laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the local level, fire and safety codes are enacted by adopting a local ordinance. These ordinances are laws or regulations passed by a municipal or county authority to address various issues, including fire safety and building codes, to protect the welfare of the community.
Over the history, many measures have been taken to enhance public health and safety, such as Britain's Public Health Act of 1848 and the laws passed in American cities in the 1880s to limit smoke emissions. Although initial efforts met with limited success due to lack of enforcement and non-cooperative businesses, contemporary fire and safety codes are generally better enforced and are essential for maintaining safe living and working environments.
At the local level, fire and safety codes are enacted by adopting a building or fire code that outlines the specific requirements and regulations for constructing and maintaining structures to ensure the safety of occupants and prevent fire hazards. Building codes are typically developed and enforced by local government agencies such as municipalities or counties.