Insurance study confirms UCCE fire-protection advice

An insurance industry study of the 2007 Witch Creek wildfire, which destroyed 1,700 structures in San Diego County, reached the same conclusion as UCCE's wood durability specialist Steve Quarles: wind-blown embers cause most home fires.

The report, released by the Institute for Business & Home Safety, was covered in a 1,000-word Stockton Record article written by Bruce Spence.

In addition to danger posed by flying embers, the study found that combustible fences and decks connected to houses were so effective in drawing a wildfire into structures that they "might as well be called wicks," according to the article.

The story included information about new state codes that regulate new structures being built in wildfire zones.

Quarles, quoted in the Stockton Record article, said the new state code will also benefit owners of existing homes, because it details what they need to do and what materials they need to retrofit a house to be more resistant to a wildfire.

"It was harder to do two years ago," Quarles was quoted in the story.

Because new home builders will need them, the code will also make fire-resistant construction materials readily available.

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