‘Why Some Homes Survive Wildfires While Others Burn’
Emails and videos showcasing homes destroyed by fire, juxtaposed with those that remain intact, have sparked debates among architects, builders, and fire safety experts globally. These images often seem to portray a random occurrence, where one home escapes devastation while its neighbor succumbs to the flames. For instance, Enrique Balcazar, a real estate agent, shared a video that showed his Altadena neighborhood mostly reduced to ash, with only chimneys left standing. Despite his efforts to protect his home, it was largely spared from the fire’s wrath.
“I couldn’t find a logical or scientific explanation for why my house survived,” said Balcazar, describing the scene as a baffling stroke of luck.
Experts agree that while luck plays a role—wind can shift direction suddenly, sparing one property while directing flames to another—there are also clear and actionable strategies that can reduce the vulnerability of homes to fire.
Greg Faulkner, an architect specializing in fire-resistant home exteriors in California, states that there are numerous factors that contribute to a home’s resilience against wildfires. “If you eliminate several of the ways a fire can reach your house, you significantly increase your chances,” he said. Fire-resistant materials and thoughtful design choices can greatly improve a home’s ability to withstand the extreme conditions of a wildfire.
Common wisdom in fire-prone areas holds that landscaping and nearby trees can be dangerous, but architects and contractors are now going beyond this basic advice, utilizing advanced materials and construction techniques. For example, many homes are being built with non-combustible exteriors such as stucco or with fire-resistant barriers behind materials like wood siding. Additionally, the use of gypsum beneath wood siding has become more common as it delays the heat’s penetration into the structure. Still, many experts argue that the best option is to avoid combustible materials altogether.
Windows are another critical element. The glass in windows transmits heat, and single-pane windows are particularly vulnerable. Double-pane windows significantly reduce the heat transfer from flames, with the outer layer acting as a barrier to protect the inner layer from failing.
A common point of failure in many homes is the roof. Roofing materials like asphalt, often used in American homes, are combustible and susceptible to fire. Experts recommend replacing these with metal roofing, which does not burn. However, metal conducts heat, which is why some buildings have additional protection, such as layers of gypsum underneath metal roofs, to reduce the likelihood of fire spreading.
Fire-resistant features such as shutters that close over windows and eliminating vent openings in the roof to prevent embers from entering are also becoming more common. While vent openings are typically used to reduce moisture buildup, they can act as channels for fire to enter if a blaze is approaching.
Some homes are now equipped with external fire sprinklers, which spray a soapy solution over the surface of the home, providing an additional layer of defense. In certain parts of Australia, homes are even mandated to include water tanks for firefighting purposes. With such measures, a home can protect itself better and reduce the spread of wildfires to neighboring properties.
As fire seasons continue to lengthen and intensify, it is crucial to think beyond luck when it comes to home design and fire safety. The advances in fire-resistant construction and materials are helping homeowners in high-risk areas safeguard their properties, potentially saving both lives and communities.
As climate change exacerbates the severity of wildfires, these preventative strategies are becoming not just optional upgrades, but necessary investments in fire protection.
