What wildfires teach us about smarter construction
The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more.
The recent L.A. wildfires have been devastating, displacing thousands and leaving behind a stark reminder of how vulnerable our built environment remains. Having lived through the 2018 Woolsey Fire in Malibu, I’ve seen firsthand the immense challenges of rebuilding. In my April 2024 TEDx talk, “How building a home in four weeks can influence four generations,” I explored the emotional and financial toll of losing a home—and why we must rethink how we rebuild. That talk reinforces the importance of protecting all the meanings of “home” by building (and rebuilding) our homes with mindfulness toward sustainability and resilience against the sure potential of additional weather- and fire-related harms in the future.
A new approach to fire-resilient housing
Since 2019, I’ve focused on applying lessons from past disasters to create homes that can better withstand future wildfires. My company, Azure Homes, uses advanced prefab technology to construct homes that are sustainable and built to have a better chance at surviving a fire.
Beyond technology, though, we need a broader shift in how we design and construct homes. My newly published book, From Ashes to Action: A Survivor’s Guide to Rebuilding After Wildfire, explores practical solutions for homeowners, policymakers, architects, and builders to make communities more fire-resilient. Here are a few key points from the book:
What makes a home fire-resistant?
By analyzing recent wildfires, we can identify clear patterns in home survivability:
- Fire-rated siding and decks resist ignition from radiant heat.
- Double-pane or triple-pane tempered windows withstand extreme heat without shattering.
- Ember-resistant vents block embers from entering attics and crawl spaces.
- Class A fire-rated roofs are designed to withstand severe fire exposure, offering the highest level of fire resistance available for roofing materials.
In contrast, homes with untreated wood siding, single-pane windows, unprotected vents, and those without class A-rated roofs often ignite quickly.
Beyond materials: The role of terrain and weather
Fire doesn’t just spread through structures—it moves through landscapes. The risk is significantly influenced by:
- Slope: Fires move faster uphill, preheating vegetation.
- Wind: Drives embers miles ahead, sparking new ignitions.
- Urban fuels: Vehicles, fences, and neighboring homes can create unpredictable fire spread.
Reducing risk requires a holistic approach—defensible space, smart urban planning, and proactive vegetation management.
How homeowners can build for resilience
Wildfires will continue to be a reality in California and beyond, but homeowners can take actionable steps to reduce risk:
- Defensible space: Clear dry vegetation and use fire-resistant landscaping.
- Stronger building codes: Follow post-2008 fire-resistant construction standards.
- Fire-smart design: Consider modular, prefabricated, or 3D-printed homes for speed and safety.
- Emergency-ready communities: Engage in programs like Firewise USA to enhance neighborhood resilience.
Policy and innovation must work together
With climate change intensifying fire conditions, policymakers must step up. L.A.’s recent executive orders have helped fast-track rebuilding, but we need long-term commitments:
- Faster approvals for fire-resilient construction: Pre-approved designs and modular solutions can cut rebuilding time significantly.
- Expanded fire-resistant zoning laws: Smarter land-use policies can prevent high-risk development.
- Incentives for fireproof homes: Lower insurance rates and grants for fire-resistant retrofits can encourage adoption.
The future of rebuilding: A smarter, safer approach
Recovering from a wildfire isn’t just about rebuilding—it’s about rethinking. We have the technology and knowledge to construct homes that can survive these disasters. Prefabricated and 3D-printed homes offer a scalable, cost-effective solution, reducing reliance on labor while increasing resilience.
As difficult as this moment is, it’s also an opportunity. The lessons from these fires must shape how we build the homes of the future—stronger, safer, and ready for whatever comes next.
Gene Eidelman is cofounder of Azure Homes.