Devastating wildfires in California earlier this year show that the state’s policy regarding fire safety has flaws.
According to an article by a fire researcher, fire hazard maps do not take extreme weather patterns such as Santa Ana winds into account. The maps could also better address the vulnerabilities of what is actually exposed.
The wildland-urban interface where developed lands are exposed to natural, flammable areas is often assumed to be where the exposure ends. Actually, vulnerable zones can extend well beyond those areas.
One strategy to mitigate fire risk—creating defensible space around homes or larger scale fuel breaks by thinning vegetation around communities—could be used more frequently. In addition, grant programs that pay for building retrofits such as replacing wood shake shingle roofs or upgrading attic and crawlspace vents to block embers for entering a structure, could also make a difference. There are very few examples of these types of grants, though.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2017
Boston’s Old South Church asks tower developer for $19 million for casting shade
Request highlights ongoing conflict between developers and residents over right to sunshine.
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2017
Asphalt roofing design guide now available in digital form
Recently updated Modified Bitumen Design Guide can be viewed on smartphones and tablets.
Codes and Standards | Oct 23, 2017
Energy efficiency investments on the rise; will increase next year
Survey of facility management executives shows onsite renewables, energy storage will spike in 2018.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2017
AIA contract document updates include new BIM, digital data provisions
Documents are structurally different from 2007, 2008 versions.
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2017
IAPMO seeks proposals for 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code
The deadline is March 16, 2018.
Codes and Standards | Oct 18, 2017
States impacted by hurricanes are improving their energy efficiency policies
Florida, Texas, rise in ACEEE state energy efficiency scorecard.
Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2017
Updated versions of EnergyPlus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools released
Open-source apps include enhancements for urban-scale modeling.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2017
New, comprehensive insurance exhibit released in AIA 2017 contract document updates
Will allow AIA to make updates more frequently as insurance market changes.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2017
New AIA contract document designates responsibilities for sustainable projects
Roles of architects, contractors outlined in E204–2017.
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2017
Data, transparency are keys to next steps in green building, says USGBC chief
Monitoring and comparing performance are critical to advancing sustainability goals.
