Home Component Burn Demonstrations
Homeowners can help keep the blaze at bay even as wildfire rages - November, 2007 press release
After serious wildfires, it can seem like flames leapfrogged through neighborhoods, leaving some homes unscathed alongside others that have been reduced to rubble. University of California scientists have found that this familiar site is not entirely random.
"You can do a lot to protect your house from a wildfire," said Stephen Quarles, the UC Cooperative Extension wood durability advisor.
With the right information, some advance planning and maintenance, homeowners can increase the chances their houses will be left standing after a wildfire.
“During a wildfire, hot embers can rain down on the neighborhood for hours before the relatively short time – sometimes no more than a few minutes – it takes for the blaze to blow by the home,” Quarles said. “From years of observing the aftermath of fires and testing fire-resistant building materials, we have developed a much better understanding about what happens.”
New construction will be required to have increased fire safety measures built in beginning in 2008. New guidelines for construction in areas under state jurisdiction go into effect on Jan. 1; they go into effect in fire hazard zones under local jurisdiction on July 1.
These laws govern only new construction, and presumably many of the homes that will be rebuilt after the devastating Southern California fires of fall 2007 will include the provisions, but Quarles said owners of existing homes may also wish to consider making changes to improve their homes’ resistance to wildfire.
Continue reading the Homeowners can help keep the blaze at bay even as wildfire rages press release.
Past Workshops:
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Burn demonstration at the Living Green at Tahoe, July 1, 2007 in Incline Village, NV
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Burn demonstration at the Conservation Block Party - Homewood, June 23, 2007 in Tahoma
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Burn demonstration at the Conservation Block Party - Angora Creek, June 2, 2007 in South Lake Tahoe
- Living Green at Tahoe. A zerowaste event - July 1, 2008
Burn Demonstration
Dr. Steve Quarles demonstrates the danger of accumulated pine needles in gutters to homeowners in the Angora Creek neighborhood at the Angora Creek Conservation Block Party, June 2nd, 2007. Photo by Susie Kocher.
Fire started next to a home (to simulate flammable vegetation) penetrates combustible siding on a home component. Angora Creek Conservation Block Party, June 2nd, 2007. Photo by Susie Kocher.
The UCCE Fire Workgroup developed a model home deck unit to demonstrate structural susceptibility to fire and measures to improve fire resistance. Note that the fire has burned through one deck.