Wildfire study results lead to recommendations for homeowners

SACRAMENTO — On July 22, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) announced findings from comprehensive research into the Witch Creek Wildfire, which damaged or destroyed nearly 1,700 structures in San Diego County in 2007, causing $1 billion in insured losses.

IBHS evaluated nearly 3,000 homes to determine why some survived and others did not despite facing similar wildfire conditions. The study also analyzed meteorological conditions, vegetation and topography, building characteristics and social attitudes.

Major findings of this IBHS study include:

Homes situated less than 15 feet apart are at high risk. While homes adjacent to wildlands are most vulnerable, homes in the interior areas of neighborhoods that were located less than 15 feet apart were much more likely to burn in clusters.

Wind-blown embers caused the most damage to homes during this wildfire. In fact, there were few, if any, reports of homes burned as a result of direct contact with flames.

None of the homes in communities built using Shelter-in-Place standards burned. The code-plus requirements for the construction and ongoing maintenance of these communities proved to be extremely effective in reducing damage.

Speaking at the July 22 news conference in Sacramento, IBHS President and CEO Julie Rochman said, “This exciting new research not only reinforces what we already know, it also points to additional risks for homeowners, which gave us the opportunity to identify effective new solutions.

“California is a leader when it comes to fire-resistant building codes. The concern now is helping the many thousands of people whose homes were built before modern wildfire standards to understand how to minimize their risk.”

While this research focuses on Southern California, the results have application nationwide now that a full one-third of homes are in the Wildland Urban Interface.

To read the full research report, watch the wildfire reenactment video or download the resulting wildfire home assessment checklist and retrofit guide, visit the IBHS Web site at http://www.disastersafety.org/megafire.