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While Los Angeles painfully emerges from the devastation of the recent wildfires, this might be a good time to look at homes around the US that are prone to fire. Rebuilding, retrofitting and building fire resistant homes will be an important consideration everywhere. While many believe a fire 'over there' won't impact them 'over here'.....think again. Burning embers can travel up to 2 miles and are the cause of roughly 90% of all home fire damage.
Fire risk exists everywhere, but is especially prevalent in California, Wyoming, Montana, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Carolina and yes, even Florida. Lysbeth Wiggins from COMPASS Wine Country/Santa Rosa shared some insights about fire prevention after having personally experienced tremendous loss in several big fires that are invaluable. Here are some direct insights worth sharing:
* Exterior sprinkler systems may not be considered the most effective. Running exterior sprinklers (roof or ground) in a wildfire not only contributes to the depletion of the crucial water sources, but the water from sprinklers dissipates in high warm winds and does little/nothing to protect a structure.
* The TWO most effective methods of fire prevention are: 1) vegetation management and 2) house hardening.
* Her community formed a FIREWISE community.
* The community applied for (and received) grant funds to clean up dead trees and overgrown vegetation within 15 feet of all rural roads on private properties.
* Firewise communities devised emergency escape routes, information systems, use of NOAA radios, and neighborhood contact protocol in the event of another disaster.
* Lysbeth removed newly established landscaping within 10' - 30' of her home, possibly the most effective fire prevention item. Remove combustible furnishings, mulch, etc.
* Apply and obtain a Wildfire Prepared Home Certificate in order to get insurance policies renewed, an intensive inspection of the materials used to build homes: fire rated windows, closed soffits, heat sensored venting, concrete siding, fire block backing, etc.. and the landscaping surrounding of a home.
* If we rely on emergency services to help in a wildfire we may also have to contend with much higher taxes to pay for this: Neighborhoods need to be proactive, prepared, and take the necessary steps to help maintain fire resistant properties and structures.
* Fire resistant home technology is certain to become a massive growth industry. Some homes that survive fires feature no eaves or overhangs, which can form eddies or trap embers blown by high winds.
* Homes without attic vents that allow sparks to get inside the (metal) roof, with a fire-resistant underlayment.
* Simplifying home design without multiple roof lines, dormers or other pop-outs, which are vulnerable intersections in a fire.
* Walls of the house can have a one-hour fire rating. Opt for materials like concrete blocks, brick, stone, fiber cement panels, or metal siding which resist burning.
* Gas grills cause thousands of fires annually. Do you always have a fire extinguisher close by?
* A deck using Class A wood is as resistant to ignition as concrete or steel.
* Tempered glass protects the interiors.
* Evaluate fireplaces, chimneys, etc. There are roughly 25,000 chimney fires every year.
* Roofing: Choose a Class A fire-resistant roof material like metal, slate, concrete tile, or other options with high fire resistance.
* Windows and doors: Install double-pane windows with tempered glass and fire-rated doors - including garage doors - that are designed to withstand high heat and flames.
* Insulation: Select fire-resistant insulation materials to slow down heat transfer within the walls.
* Interior finishes: Use fire-resistant drywall (gypsum board) and non-combustible flooring materials like tile or concrete.
* Fire stopping measures: Implement design features that prevent fire spread within the house, like fire-rated wall assemblies and compartmentalization.
* Smoke travels: A tightly sealed house can prevent smoke from entering. Passive House technology is an option.
These are just some thoughts and ideas to evaluate. I bet much more will emerge now that we have all seen just how damaging fire can be.
-Leonard Steinberg
Chief Evangelist | Corporate Broker | Member - Compass Sports & Entertainment Division
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