News of the wildfires are spreading fast as the situation in LA takes over the headlines.
The images are shocking, the destruction of homes and businesses, the environmental devastation and even the loves lost are playing out before our eyes.
Since 2021 the rise in wildfires across the United States has been well documented and linked to climate change. The harsh reality of climate change is dawning upon us, it's here!
The increasing frequency and destruction caused by wildfires is surely enough to silence even the most radical political sceptic.
Of course, the fire fighters will work tirelessly to save what they can, but it will take more.
Both Government support and environmental regulation to prevent these tragedies happening over and over again is a must.
Surely the communities affected will be demanding updated housing standards if their homes and lives are to be re-built? Construction companies, and architects have the power to make a safer future. A safer way to live and work is clearly going to be imperative.
Let's hope that we can come together to temper the force of Mother Nature
Kirsty Hammond Publisher of Specifier Review
Toxic buildings
Construction and fire chiefs will have to instigate building changes, to prevent the spread of fire and such disasters happening. Building materials and construction practices can both be toxic.
The aftermath of fire leaves debris, rubble and toxic fumes. Much of our construction materials contain plastics which although less flammable than wood, when burning release a toxic gas. Petroleum based materials generate toxic smoke that can travel and be inhaled miles away.
Hempcrete is a viable alternative building material that is both non toxic and fire resistant. In the UK there has never been a greater focus on fire-resistant materials in the construction sector.
In the wake of Grenfell, legislation has been implemented. The importance of building materials for our future construction is paramount.
Building in fire protection
Passive fire protection includes fire-resistant glass, fire doors, insulated walls and drywall. Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) is a passive proofing strategy and can prevent the failure of a building's structure.
Even paint - intumescent, can be applied to a property and provide 30-120 minutes of fire protection. This sort of paint cleverly expands when exposed to high temperatures, forming a barrier to prevent the advancement of flames.
I think we would all be surprised to hear that vinyl flooring can also prevent the spread of flames!
Recycled and eco-friendly materials such as treated wood and concrete blocks impregnated with special additives meet fire resistant standards and environmental ones.
An adaptable future
Sustainable construction is environmentally impactful. The construction industry of the future needs to balance safety with the unpredictable, surely a global priority. Sustainability with effectiveness and rebuilding with adaptability.
Fire protection in construction is always improving. Smart fire detection is a trend. These hi-tech systems use sensors and cameras to detect early fires and suppress them before spread.
Bio-based fire retardants is an interesting innovation to note. These are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. The construction industry will play a vital role in fire prevention, it will be vital to save lives and mitigate economic losses.
Many cities are accustomed to living with fire, however in many zones the fire season is getting longer, soaring temperatures, drought, dry vegetation are all signs that our planet is overheating.
Literally fuel for the fire.
Climate collaboration
Climate change is demanding that our construction materials withstand extreme conditions, extreme heat, extreme force. Unpredictable means we have to build for all that our weather system has.
Collaboration with scientists, architects, innovators and engineers will all be needed if we are to avoid the apocalyptic scenes that unfold in front of our eyes.
Temperatures rise along with our emissions. Extreme weather conditions are exasperated.
Damage is more intense. Urban fires are increasingly common. We have seen on social media in recent years damage in Chile, Maui, Colorado and now LA.
Climate change is here for all to see, let's hope that advances in construction, research, innovation, politics, education and our attitudes are enough to temper the force of Mother Nature.
Even as I write optimistically, I remain sceptical in view of the images I see on my TV …
Kirsty Hammond is Publisher of Specifier Review
