In order to understand the effect wildland fires have on and structures, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety Research Center created a controlled environment for simulating the effects of a wildland fire on a structure. By using a wide variety of commonly used home building materials they were able to accurately demonstrate what can happen to a home when exposed to ember bombardment. This type of event is common during wind driven wildfires. It is important to note that there are no direct flames from the ember source contacting the structure. This test is specifically designed to test building materials to embers and not direct flames.
A common misconception of why homes are lost in wildfires is the assumption that the "wall of flames" on the fires leading edge was the reason all homes are lost in a wildfire event. Fire scientists and wildland fire specialists have determined that in fact it is possible that more homes are lost in a wildfires due to ember intrusion into the structure through vents and crawlspaces, embers landing in gutters and igniting built up leaf litter and flammable material against the edges of homes. This video shows the results of mulch burning around the base of the home and the resulting effects on the structure once the mulch has ignited it. This video is a good reminder of why a homes defensible space is much more than landscaping and that small improvements, such as adding 1/16'' mesh screening to attic vents, can make a huge difference in a homes ability to withstand an approaching wildfire.
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