How Houses Catch Fire. Defensible Space
If you would like to have defensible space done around your house in Sedalia, give us a call, (719)400-9104, or email at office@coloradomastication.com.
Wildfires are a part of life for many communities. There is always the threat of fires starting and spreading. The best thing to do is make sure you’re ready, taking steps to prevent the fires from spreading to homes and causing exponential damage.
To do this, you need to understand more about how houses catch fire. This gives you steps to take to avoid fires from happening.
Those who have set up building codes in wildfire areas have understood the reasons for fires starting. This helps to reduce the risk of fire.
Three Ways of Fires Starting
Those who have created building codes have noted that there are three ways houses are likely to catch fire during wildfires.
The first is a spark from burning embers. The wind will push the flames closer to the home and embers spark various parts of the house.
The second is through radiant heat. Nearby objects and buildings may have caught fire and the heat causes dryness and just a small spark leads to a fire starting.
The third is through direct contact with the flames from the fire.
The Most Dangerous of the Three
Embers are the most dangerous and common reasons for fires starting. They account for 70-90% of all houses lost due to wildfires. It’s possible for flames to be blown a mile or so from the fire, and it doesn’t often take much for a fire to start under the right conditions. All it takes is one overlooked area on the property and the fire starts.
However, building codes are set to prevent the overlooked areas as much as possible. Buildings are made with fire-resistant wall coverings, tempered glass, and non-combustible items. This doesn’t just protect from the embers, but also the radiant heat, which is the second most common reason for fires starting.
Defensible Space Is a Must
To help prevent the most common reasons for fires, defensible spaces are a must. In some states, there are laws in place about flammable vegetation, making sure there is a lower risk to properties.
The steps can also help the properties built before new regulations came in. It’s worth looking to update your property if it was built with flammable properties. Even if you can’t change everything at once, a little at a time is worthwhile to protect your family.
If you have questions about defensible space around your Sedalia home, contact us today.