State Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin is planning to escape a simulated fire at his Raleigh home.

As the top insurance official, Goodwin is also the state fire marshal, and apparently an action hero, by elected-official standards.

Goodwin and his 7-year-old daughter Madison will demonstrate the correct way to escape a house fire. Simulated smoke will provide realistic conditions. The fake fire will start Monday and reporters are encouraged to attend and film the action.

The idea is to encourage state residents to develop a plan to escape home fires. Oct. 7 is the annual statewide fire drill. Goodwin seems to have learned a flair for the dramatic from his predecessor, the late Jim Long, who was known for blowing stuff up with fireworks as a way to demonstrate the danger of fireworks.

The N.C Building Code Council pushed forward a proposal that would relax a rule designed to prevent electrical fires.

The council sets building codes. It's unanimous vote Tuesday starts a process that could eventually weaken a requirement that all new homes have a special circuit breaker. Currently the device is required for bedrooms, Ben Niolet reports.

In January, home builders will be required to use the device throught all new homes.

The petition advanced Tuesday would reverse that new requirement.

Homebuilders say the devices will add to the price of a new home. The breakers cost about $32 at retail. Normal breakers, such as those commonly found in breaker boxes cost a few dollars.

The additional cost to a lower priced and modestly sized home would be around $100. 

Proponents say the devices effectively prevent a common type of electrical fire caused by frayed or damaged wires. Those problems would often be undetectable until a fire started.

The issue will next be sent to a committee of the council. It will be the subject of a public hearing in March.

The council did not debbate the merits of the device Tuesday.