flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Best solution to prevent California wildfire disasters: Stop building in places likely to burn

Codes and Standards

Best solution to prevent California wildfire disasters: Stop building in places likely to burn

Approach would be unpopular as people attracted to stunning wooded landscapes.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | November 30, 2018

Courtesy Pixabay

The most effective way to reduce deaths and property destruction from California wildfires would be to stop building in fire-prone areas, and make structures that already exist in those areas more resilient.

It's a simple and sound strategy, but it would also be expensive and wildly unpopular. People want to live in the state's stunning wooded landscapes and making homes, businesses, and neighborhoods more fire-resistant could be hugely expensive.

Experts say as climate change causes more frequent and destructive blazes, anything less won’t make enough of a difference to prevent the devastating fires that have swept through the state in the past few weeks, though. California uses the most up-to-date version of model national codes, and doesn’t allow local governments to opt out of those codes.

New homes in places with the highest risk of wildfire get built with fire-resistant materials and construction techniques, but many older structures were not built to those standards. Furthermore, California’s aggressive wildfire codes don’t apply in neighborhoods that may appear safer on paper, but are increasingly affected as fires grow to the sizes that caused so much destruction recently.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018

In many markets, green features are more of a requirement for apartment renters

Renters in many U.S. cities have come to expect green features in apartments that they rent, with an eye toward energy efficiency and healthy indoor air.

Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2018

Developer says net zero Salt Lake City apartment high-rise built at standard cost

Off-site solar, and mechanical/electrical system savings aid the achievement.

Codes and Standards | Jul 11, 2018

D.C. local worker requirement not being met

Government doing little to verify self-reported project data.

Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018

Carbon emissions in cement production threaten GHG reduction goals

Cement is essential to many infrastructure projects that address climate change.

Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018

DOE’s Better Buildings Summit to be held in Cleveland, August 21-23

Agenda includes technical training and networking opportunities.

Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2018

Delos and HDR will co-develop wellness design tools and collaborate on research

WELL Building Standard pioneer teams with architects to advance wellness innovations in the built environment.

Codes and Standards | Jul 5, 2018

BREEAM New Construction standard launched in U.S.

Follows successful launch of BREEAM In-Use standard.

Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2018

Nearly half of nonresidential construction projects now delivered by design-build

‘Alternative’ method now mainstream for nonresidential, highway/street, and water/wastewater construction projects.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021