A recent study led by UC Berkeley scientists reveals that implementing wildfire mitigation measures, such as home hardening and creating defensible space, can more than double the likelihood of homes surviving major wildfires. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the effectiveness of these strategies in reducing wildfire destructiveness by up to 50%.
Home hardening involves structural modifications like using fire-resistant siding, roofing materials, and double-paned tempered glass windows, as well as covering vents to prevent embers from entering homes. Defensible space refers to a vegetation-free buffer zone around a home, reducing the risk of fire spread.
The research, led by Michael Gollner, associate professor of mechanical engineering at UC Berkeley, used state-of-the-art wildfire simulation tools and real-world data from five major California wildfires to quantify the impact of these strategies. According to Gollner, “We can’t always change the spacing between structures or the exposure from flames and embers. But even within those limitations, we still have the power to cut the destruction in half, if not more.”
The study found that removing vegetation within a five-foot perimeter of homes could reduce structure losses by 17%. However, for these mitigation strategies to be most effective, they need widespread adoption within fire-prone communities.
Gollner emphasized the importance of community cooperation, stating, “Much of what you can do to prevent these fires from spreading through the whole community happens on an individual’s property and depends on what your neighbor does.” The study aims to justify investments in mitigation by demonstrating significant risk reduction.
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