Bowmanstown has taken steps to protect itself from property owners walking away from burned-out homes.

Borough Council on a 4-0 vote Tuesday adopted a fire escrow ordinance. Council President Pam Leiby, Councilman William Ravert and Councilwoman Donna Winter were absent.

Mayor Zach Snyder said that in an instance where there is no ordinance, the property owner could take that money and walk away.

Snyder said such an instance devalues the property, is a danger to children, and becomes an eyesore.

“It protects the borough,” Snyder said.

Snyder alluded to a similar situation recently in Lansford where a property owner walked away from a burned-out home. But, since Lansford had an ordinance, it was protected.