Emails and footage showcasing the aftermath of fires in Los Angeles, where charred structures sit adjacent to those miraculously unscathed, are circulating among architects, builders, and fire safety experts globally.

For many residents, including real estate agent Enrique Balcazar, the chaotic destruction appears random. Balcazar shared a video that highlighted the stark contrast on his block in Altadena, where only chimney remnants were left of numerous homes following a devastating fire. Although he fought to extinguish flames licking his roof from atop a neighbor’s ruined Mustang, his house emerged largely unscathed.

“The house is older, featuring the original wood siding,” Balcazar remarked. “There seems to be no logical or scientific reason for why my home was spared.”

Experts assert that while luck is a factor—given how quickly wind directions can shift, potentially directing flames to a neighboring property—there are numerous strategies available to make homes less prone to fire damage.

Greg Faulkner from Faulkner Architects in California noted, “There are about fifty different ways a fire can destruct your home. If you can mitigate half or even three-quarters of those risks, it’s not luck—it’s a strategic enhancement of your chances.”

Individuals living in areas prone to wildfires understand the dangers posed by nearby trees, landscaping, and wooden fences. However, architects and contractors are adapting modern materials and methods for roofing, walls, and windows to ensure buildings can withstand such disasters. These protective measures typically increase home costs by approximately 3% to 6%, or even up to 10% for the highest levels of protection, according to Faulkner.

Many professionals are moving away from wood siding altogether. In cases where it is still permitted, a fire-resistant barrier, often made from the same gypsum material as drywall, must be placed beneath it. This approach helps delay heat from reaching the interior even if the wood catches fire.

“Even then, you’re still applying a combustible material to the structure,” cautioned Richard Schuh from Nielsen : Schuh Architects. “Using fire-resistant materials is essential.”

Stucco, a cement-based material, is widely recognized for its fire-resistant properties and commonly seen on homes in Southern California. Arnold Tarling, a seasoned expert in fire protection and building inspection, mentioned that homes with stucco walls showed better resilience during the fires in Los Angeles. He added that more robust protection could have been achieved with an additional layer of gypsum behind the stucco.

Windows represent a significant variable regarding a home’s survival during a fire since they transmit considerable heat. Double-pane windows are effective in slowing heat transfer from flames in adjacent buildings.

Schuh explained, “The outer pane serves to protect the inner pane until it ultimately fails.” Building regulations in various jurisdictions mandate that at least one of the panes be tempered, providing enhanced heat resistance compared to standard glass.

Tarling recalled observing a Malibu home that remained intact amid a sea of charred structures, speculating that its design could have protected it, as no windows faced the direction of the neighbor, helping to deflect radiated heat.

In his designs, Faulkner incorporates fire shutters that can latch closed over windows.

Another critical aspect is the roof, which serves as a primary target for fire embers. Roof designs featuring simpler lines can help prevent embers from accumulating. The Spanish Mission style, a hallmark of Los Angeles architecture, often includes less straightforward roof lines that can trap embers in the corners.

“Embers can behave like snow and collect in those corners,” Faulkner elaborated.

Many U.S. homes utilize asphalt roofing. However, regions at risk for wildfires in California must implement roofing materials that delay heat transfer into the home, classified as one-hour or Class A rated. Nevertheless, since asphalt is a petroleum-based product, some builders prefer metal roofs, which are non-flammable, although they do have their disadvantages due to heat conductivity, necessitating gypsum installation beneath.

A vital factor is whether roofs provide entry points for fire. As many builders have aimed to combat moisture in attics through improved ventilation, this can inadvertently work against fire safety. Schuh stated, “When the wind pushes against a house, flames can be blown into it like a blowtorch,” with fire entering through vents.

Conversely, such pressure can create a vacuum on the opposite side of the dwelling, drawing fire inside, according to several specialists. However, removing roof vents entirely isn’t feasible, as it leads to moisture-related issues, states Cesar Martin Gomez, an architect from the University of Navarra in Spain, who has extensive experience in building services.

Faulkner has found success in some structures by sealing roof spaces, eliminating the need for ventilation. Schuh has implemented covers on roof vents that close in response to fire with specialized mesh.

Martin Gomez mentioned that in certain Australian regions, building regulations now require new homes to have dedicated water tanks. “If every house can safeguard itself, fire spread could be significantly reduced,” he asserted.

Additionally, some American homes are now equipped with exterior sprinkler systems, delivering water mixed with a soapy solution to coat the building’s surface, said Schuh.

“This adds an extra layer of security, which has become increasingly important now that insurance companies might not be reliable,” he concluded.