When the wildfires in California, Arizona and Utah are
extinguished, property owners who rebuild can benefit by
building to codes developed to protect lives and property
where wildfires are likely. While the International Code
Council does not advocate building in areas that are prone
to wildfires, those who elect to do so need an advantage.
Low or no cost tips
Create a defensible space around structures-30
to 100 feet away from the structure depending on exposure
to natural vegetation areas. Approximate cost: $0 if you
do it yourself; labor costs if you hire out the job.
Move combustible materials, such as wood
piles, away from structures. $0 if you do it yourself;
labor costs if you hire out the job.
Thin out ornamental shrubs and bushes;
remove dead vegetation. $0 if you do it yourself; labor
costs if you hire out the job.
Cut back dead or dying tree limbs, especially
those that overhang the roof, and all vegetation within
10 feet of a chimney. $0 if you do it yourself; labor
costs if you hire out the job.
Mow grass and cut back low-to-ground
vegetation (ivy, vines, weeds) to three to six inches
high. $0 if you do it yourself; labor costs if you hire
out the job.
Keep 12 to 18 inches of bare ground between
structures and grasses or other vegetation. $0 if you
do it yourself; labor costs if you hire out the job.
Keep areas around the home clear so emergency
vehicles have easy access. No cost.
Ask your local building or fire department
about developing a fire protection plan. No cost.
Affordable and higher cost tips
Fire-retardant roof materials such as
tile or roof coverings identified as Class A or steel.
Approximate cost over traditional roofing materials: $2,500
(based on a two-story, 2,000 sq. ft. home).
Tempered or multiple pane windows to
reduce heat and protect against wind and debris that can
break windows and allow fire to enter the home. Approximate
cost: about 20% more than non-tempered or single pane
windows.
Residential fire sprinkler systems to
extinguish fire that may enter the home and prevent structural
fires from spreading to the wildland. Approximate cost
$1.50 - $2 per sq. ft. ($3,000-$4,000 based on a two-story,
2,000 sq. ft. home).
Fire-resistant building materials for
exterior walls or siding. Approximate cost: $9,000 (based
on a two-story, 2,000 sq. ft. home with brick veneer).
All costs are approximate, may not include labor and may
vary due to local economic conditions.
The International Urban Wildland Interface Code (IUWIC),
developed by the International Code Council, contains guidelines
to build safer and smarter in areas prone to wildfires.
Building safety and fire prevention professionals, architects,
engineers and other with expertise in construction in wildfire
areas contributed to the development of the code.
The International Code Council, a membership association
dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops
the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings,
including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties
and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes
developed by the International Code Council.
Visit the International Code Council's Wildfire
Safety page to help you prepare for wildfire season.
