Timber Framing Not Responsible for Fire Chico Enterprise-Record

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Mr. Roddy, a resident of Alameda, wrote an op-ed about house building in Paradise. It seems to say that 15 tons of timber frame enclosed in a house was a major cause of the fire.

Cal Fire and various fire departments have very strict requirements for building homes in fire-prone rural areas. These requirements are designed to protect homes from wildfires. They have been developed by qualified fire engineers. While the houses contain a wooden frame, they also contain large amounts of plastics and multiple other flammable materials. Most new homes are also sprinklered to protect the interior of the home. They do not protect the exterior.

The fire started near federal lands that were completely overrun with huge loads of fuel believed to have been cleared. Once the fire reached that, it created its own winds and roared to heaven. The ponderosa pines near the houses did not help matters and continued to fuel the fire. For Mr. Roddy’s edification, a large Ponderosa can weigh 15 tons and, when exposed to fire, can be a marvelous torch.

Wood framing is preferable to most others. It is preferable in seismic areas. It is protected by fireproof outer materials. As people and governments have added multiple restrictions, codes and requirements to building homes, they are rapidly increasing the costs above the average income of people and accomplishing little in many cases.

Frank Solinsky, Chico

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