Only YOU can prevent … structure fires?!
This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science.
What factors can help buildings survive wildfires?
Maryam Zamanialaei and team at U-C Berkeley sifted for answers. They analyzed CALFIRE data on structures burned during wildfires between twenty-thirteen and twenty-twenty two.
Their computer models factored in fire intensity and fire-proofing of structures. These include using non-flammable materials, covering vents, installing double-paned windows, and clearing vegetation near buildings.
Without fire-proofing, computer models show a twenty percent probability of structure survival. But, fire-proofing improved the probability of structure survival to nearly FIFTY percent!
These precautions can help protect our homes against wildfires!
Maybe it’s time for Smokey Bear to revamp his old slogan!
Reference: Zamanialaei, M., San Martin, D., Theodori, M. et al. Fire risk to structures in California’s Wildland-Urban Interface. Nat Commun 16, 8041 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-63386-2