Wildfires are rising in the United States, with over 80% ignited by human activity. Wind, drought, temperature, humidity, fuel type, and terrain all influence wildfire spread. Climate change, including higher temperatures and drier conditions, further exacerbates the spread of fires. As the threat of wildfire intensifies in the U.S., Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) codes have been developed, and a wide array of protective products are entering the market to aid in wildfire mitigation.
Defense
To defend against wildfires, homeowners can take the following steps to help defend their homes against damage and property loss.
- Utilize fire-resistant materials for construction, repairs, and renovations
- Install a Class A-rated roof with noncombustible covering
- Use fire-retardant-treated wood
- Install tempered safety glass
- Employ fireproof shutters
- Install metal mesh screening over exterior attic vents
In the wake of the recent wildfires in Southern California, we’re learning more about wildfire building protection and the need for fire-resistant building materials, landscaping, and maintenance to reduce the risk of wildfire damage. To this end, we’ve partnered with an Australian brand, Bushfire, to offer a complete range of fire shutters and a continuing education presentation to educate design professionals on this important issue.
The Challenge
In a wildfire, buildings can significantly contribute to the spread of fire, primarily through the ignition of embers carried by the wind and radiant heat transfer. These embers can land on combustible materials on or around structures, causing them to catch fire and then acting as a new source of flames to spread further. This phenomenon is hazardous when buildings are close together, creating a “domino effect” where fire jumps from one structure to another, especially during strong winds.
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Are you searching for details on the perfect daylighting or acoustical separation product for your application? Wrestling with a life safety code requirement? Need an annual inspection and maintenance service?
The knowledgeable team at Powers Products is a great resource for architectural product requirements. With over 80 years of construction industry experience, Powers is a trusted partner to the Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico design communities.
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