A.D. In 2018, camp fire destroyed nearly 19,000 buildings in northern California, including most of Paradise City. The structures next to the fire gave researchers the opportunity to examine which homes would survive – such as the size of the site, the distance to a neighbor’s house, and the surrounding vegetation. Also In 2008, changes to the California Building Code, in addition to Chapter 7A, looked at whether homes built in the wild-city interface improved their resilience to wildfires.
A new study published on October 3 by the USDA Forest Service and the University of California Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources on campfire risk analysis shows that both housing preparation and surrounding vegetation have affected housing survival during severe wildfires. Magazine Fire Ecology.
“Our team has found a source of hope and information that will help California, its contractors and policymakers better prepare for future fires,” said Jana Valachovich, co-author of the California Cooperative Extension Consulting.
A.D. The 2008 code requires the installation of fire extinguishers and fire vents in the Garden City and other ventilation vents to help intensify domestic fires. This section of the California Building Code requires building materials in California’s two-zone fuel and plant improvement guide, known as the “Protective Space,” which applies to plants and supplies 100 feet from home.
The researchers found that home age was a key factor in predicting survival. But the main year was not 2008. Performance improvements have already occurred. A.D. Only 11 percent of the single-family homes built in 1996 survived, compared to 40 percent of the houses built after 1996, which are close to average, with extensive tree growth near the house. In general, the greater the distance between buildings, the less likely it is to be destroyed by a campfire. And the less tree cover, the higher the chance of survival.
In the event of a wildfire, structures may be threatened in front of the flame and by the charcoal burning before the fire, and they may reach new ground by burning fossil fuels, such as plants or plants near the house. Embers can also enter homes through open windows or vents. Heat from neighboring buildings or plants also affects the survival of the home.
“Although wildfires are unpredictable, strong associations with home preparation and overgrown vegetation indicate that home survival is at least somewhat predictable,” said Eric Kinp, executive director of USDA Forest Service. “Silver cover This suggests that steps can be taken to improve the chances of surviving fires.”
The biggest cause of property damage at Camp Fire is the heat generated by the burning of several buildings. In Paradise, more than 73% of the destroyed homes were burned at 59 feet away. The distance to the nearest damaged structure or 328 feet of damaged buildings was a major predictor of total house damage.
“Exposure to heat from a nearby structure can break glass, such as windows. Coals or flames can enter the house after the glass is broken,” said Steve Quarles, co-ordinator of Emeritus UC Cooperative Extension Consultant and a retired architect.
This finding suggests that dense advances can protect high-volume partitions from radiation from plant fires, but increase the likelihood of direct combustion when buildings are ignited and flashing heat loads.
Valachovich said: “This study shows that in terms of the amount of radiation emitted by a neighboring building, the condition and proximity of the building or the neighboring house can have a significant impact on the environment.”
If the tree cover is relatively small, the chances of survival are high.
“Trees provide shade, which is important where it is hot in the summer. “This includes clearing roofs, ceilings, garden beds near the structure and areas under sticky boats.”
The researchers found no significant improvement in the number of homes built under the new building code from 2008 to 2018, compared to homes built in the same period between 1997 and 2007, before the new code was approved. Houses built over the past two decades have improved overall construction standards and building materials performance by withstanding wildfires better than older ones.
“It is important for California homes and neighborhoods to be well-maintained,” he said. “Fortunately, all building codes are improving over time and Chapter 7A is no exception – California has benefited. California Building Code is reviewed every three years, and new knowledge is being developed based on research and post-fire assessments.”
To strengthen wildfire protection at the neighborhood level, the researchers recommend coordinating efforts with neighbors.
“Since a house fire can endanger neighbors’ homes, it is important that fuel reduction occurs at the community level. Living with fire means doing all you can to keep your home from burning. ”
There are simple steps that homeowners can take to protect their home.
“From rearranging vent vents or using glass windows that resist the umbilical cord, to simple things like keeping tree bark or trees close to the house and using flood defenses all improve the chances of reducing leaf and needle accumulation in the pipes. Survival of the fittest. ” “It’s a matter of choosing to live in this area.”
Knapp, Valachovic, Quarles and Nels G Johnson, published in Camp Fire California, on the causes of family survival and vegetation associated with family survival in 2018. Fire Ecology At https://firecology.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s42408-021-00117-0.
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