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
Smart Buildings | Aug 21, 2015
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes offers plan to strengthen codes for disaster resilience
Some states losing ground on resilience, group says
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
After disease outbreak, ASHRAE legionella standard adopted in New York
City Council acts after 12 die of legionellosis
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
Research indicates major earthquake looming for Pacific Northwest
Most structures built before seismic codes instituted; extreme damage predicted
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
New York City may allow affordable housing developers to ‘double dip’ in subsidies
New York City may allow affordable housing developers to ‘double dip’ in subsidies
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
L.A. considers controversial traffic calming measures
Goal is to encourage alternative transportation
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
Proposed facility smart grid standard open for public review
Goal is common way to describe, manage, communicate about electrical energy consumptions, forecasts
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
AAMA updates methods for testing of exterior walls
The standard specifies test methods, specifications, and field checks to evaluate structural adequacy of exterior wall systems composed of curtain walls, storefronts, and sloped glazing.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
Difference in male-female thermal comfort is due to clothing, ASHRAE says
Women wear lighter clothing in the summer, so they tend to be cooler in air-conditioned rooms, according to the group.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
ConsensusDocs releases new CM agency contract standard agreement
For use when owner acts as the construction manager, hires a construction manager, or uses multiple prime contractors
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2015
AIA, International Code Council reach collaborative agreement on building codes
The deal covers a wide range of initiatives, including code development, compliance, and sustainability.
