MOUNTAIN MODERN MEETS HOME HARDENED

Posted on: October 27, 2023

MOUNTAIN MODERN MEETS HOME HARDENED

Crafting a Dream Home That’s Wildfire-Ready in Sierra Nevada

PROJECT DETAILS

Location
California

Project Type
Private Residence

Applications

Siding: 1×6″ | Shiplap w/ 1/4″ Reveal
Trim: 2×10 | Square Edge
Soffit: 1×6″ | Tongue & Groove

Product

AquaFir™ | Tobacco | Smooth | CVG Cedar

**All materials protected with Fireline™ Pressure-Treated.**

THE VISION

Nestled in the idyllic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, a homeowner dreamed of a special mountain retreat. Their vision was not just about creating a striking contemporary design, but also about ensuring that it could weather the challenges posed by the area’s recurring wildfires.

THE SOLUTION

To bring their dream to life while addressing the wildfire concern, the homeowner took practical steps to safeguard their sanctuary.

First, they established a safe buffer zone between the house and the surrounding forest, a measure that added a layer of protection.

The next crucial step involved choosing Fireline™ Pressure-Treated wood for all their natural wood materials, making their home compliant with Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) standards. This simple decision enhanced the natural wood’s ability to withstand potential threats.

Now, the homeowner could cherish the beauty of natural wood while feeling secure in the knowledge that their retreat was equipped to stand strong in the face of nature’s unpredictable challenges. This home became a testament to both aesthetics and practicality, offering peace of mind amidst its cozy ambiance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AQUAFIR

LEARN MORE ABOUT FIRE RESISTANT WOOD

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MOUNTAIN HAVEN WITH FIRE-TREATED RANCHWOOD™

Posted on: July 28, 2023

MOUNTAIN HAVEN WITH FIRE-TREATED RANCHWOOD™

Utilizing Fireline Pressure-Treated Western Red Cedar for Enhanced Safety

PROJECT DETAILS

Location
California

Project Type
Private Residence

Applications

Siding:
1×4 | Shiplap w/ ¼” Reveal | Wire Brushed
1×6 | Shiplap w/ ¼” Reveal | Wire Brushed

Soffit: 1×6 | Tongue and Groove | Wire Brushed

Product

ranchwood™ | Yellowstone | Western Red Cedar (STK)
Fireline Pressure-Treated

THE VISION

A modern and elegant mountain design which embraces the natural beauty of the surroundings while prioritizing measures to safeguard against the ever-present wildfire risk. To achieve this vision the owner purposefully sought out specific building materials on the exterior facade to beautify and protect the structure.

THE SOLUTION

For this exceptional project, the owner chose Western Red Cedar, expertly finished in ranchwood™ Yellowstone, which added a visually stunning touch adjoining the natural stone facade. The selected natural wood material is fire-treated with Montana Timber Products proprietary Fireline™ Pressure-Treated. The residence stands as a testament to a perfect balance of elegance and protection.


Fireline™ Pressure-Treated Excellence:
The Fireline™ Pressure-Treated wood fire treatment not only met the homeowner’s aesthetic preferences but also provided a key advantage in wildfire-prone regions. The treated wood is compliant with WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) and I-WUI (International Wildland Urban Interface) standards, offering peace of mind and increased protection against potential wildfires.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RANCHWOOD

LEARN MORE ABOUT FIRE TREATMENT OPTIONS

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Navigating the Wildland Urban Interface: Strategies for Protecting Your Home and Community

Posted on: June 1, 2023

Navigating the Wildland Urban Interface: Strategies for Protecting Your Home and Community

Wildfires have become all too common in recent years, wreaking havoc on communities and the environment. As a result, we need effective wildfire management now more than ever, especially in areas where human development intersects with wildland vegetation. So, how can we safeguard our communities from the constant wildfire threat? The answer lies in understanding the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) and implementing strategies to reduce fire risks in these areas.

In this article, we’ll explore the concept of the WUI, discuss the factors contributing to its growth, and delve into strategies for minimizing fire risks in these vulnerable regions. We’ll also share inspiring case studies showcasing successful WUI fire management efforts, highlighting the power of community collaboration and innovative technology solutions in mitigating wildfire threats.

Summary

  • Understanding the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) is crucial for protecting communities from wildfire risks.
  • Strategies for reducing fire risk in WUI areas include Community Wildfire Protection Plans, fire-adapted communities, and building and landscaping guidelines.
  • Successful WUI management necessitates community collaboration and the utilization of innovative technology solutions like alerting systems, drones, robots, and satellites.

Understanding the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)

wildland urban interface - wui community areas - montana timber products

The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) is a critical area where human development and wildland vegetation coexist, creating a higher risk of devastating wildfires. With population growth and climate change exacerbating wildfire risks, comprehending the WUI and implementing protective strategies are paramount to safeguarding communities and the environment.

To achieve this, we must grasp the dynamics of the WUI, including the landscape’s physical characteristics, vegetation types, human activities, and potential climate change impacts.

Defining the WUI

The WUI refers to areas where residential development is near trees or dense vegetation, which pose a higher risk of wildfires. Experts primarily assess vegetation cover and housing proximity to determine the WUI threshold.

Recognizing and acknowledging wildfire risk assessment in WUI areas is the first step toward addressing the risks and implementing effective management strategies.

Factors Contributing to WUI Growth

WUI expansion primarily stems from housing growth, with vegetation increases playing a secondary role. Other contributing factors include rising housing costs, climate change, reduced land management practices, and relaxed housing regulations.

For instance, according to PNAS, from 1990 to 2010, areas classified as wildland-urban interfaces in the United States saw significant growth in the number of new houses (41% increase) and the land area (33% increase). As WUI areas continue to expand, it becomes crucial to tackle the challenges associated with this growth to mitigate fire risks.

Mapping and Assessing WUI Areas

Mapping and assessing WUI areas are vital for understanding wildfire risks and developing strategies to minimize them. High-resolution maps, created using remote sensing data, enable a detailed analysis of vegetation density, cover, and housing proximity to dense vegetation.

Accurate mapping and assessment empower communities and policymakers to comprehend and effectively address the unique challenges of WUI areas.

Strategies for Reducing Fire Risks in WUI Areas

strategies to reduce fire risk - wildland urban interface - montana timber products

Several strategies can be employed to reduce fire risks in WUI areas, including creating Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs), fostering fire-adapted communities, utilizing fire suppression techniques, and implementing building and landscaping guidelines.

These approaches enhance community resilience against wildfires and minimize potential losses.

Community Wildfire Protection Plans

A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is a document that outlines strategies to mitigate wildfire risk in a specific area. It includes information on the local environment, fire history, and potential fire hazards. The primary objective of a CWPP is to assist communities in becoming fire-adapted and reducing fire risks.

Training is crucial in developing a successful CWPP as it equips community members with the knowledge and tools to address wildfire risks effectively. CWPPs promote collaboration and shared responsibility for wildfire prevention and response by actively involving the community in the planning process.

Fire-Adapted Communities

A fire-adapted community recognizes the higher risk of wildfires and takes proactive steps to mitigate those risks, thereby reducing the likelihood of loss. Fire-adapted communities are better prepared to respond to and recover from wildfires.

To create a fire-adapted community, measures such as developing a CWPP, adhering to building and landscaping guidelines that prioritize fire resistance, and fostering community collaboration on wildfire safety are crucial. Successful examples of fire-adapted communities, such as the City of Flagstaff in Arizona and the City of Santa Rosa in California, demonstrate the positive impact of community-driven initiatives.

Building and Landscaping Guidelines

wildland urban interface - fire area building guidelines - montana timber products
Project Located in Truckee, CA that used our Fireline wood fire treatment.

Implementing building and landscaping guidelines tailored to the specific needs of WUI areas is essential for reducing the risk of wildfires. These guidelines may include using construction methods that minimize the risk of building ignition, creating defensible spaces by clearing vegetation, maintaining adequate distances between structures and flammable materials, and selecting fire-resistant plant species.

Choosing plants based on their fire resistance, climate suitability, irrigation needs and utilizing noncombustible materials for landscaping and mulch further reduces fire risks.

For instance, Fireline is a pressure-treated fire treatment that we offer is fully WUI and International WUI compliant and allows you to use natural wood on the exterior of your house, while still having the peace of mind that your structure is protected.

By implementing these strategies, communities can enhance their resilience against wildfires and create safer living environments in the wildland-urban interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by the wildland urban interface?

The wildland-urban interface (WUI) refers to the areas where human development and wildland vegetation meet or overlap. It represents the boundary between built environments, such as cities, towns, and rural areas, and nearby natural habitats. As a result, the WUI can be a source of both natural resources and potential hazards, such as increased wildfire risk.

Why is the wildland-urban interface a major challenge for firefighters?

The wildland-urban interface presents a significant challenge for firefighters due to the proximity of populated areas, increasing the risk of property damage and civilian injuries. Additionally, hazardous materials often used near homes and limited access to the fire zone can pose significant dangers to first responders, making firefighting operations in the WUI complex and demanding.

What is a wildland urban interface area within Colorado?

In Colorado, the wildland-urban interface (WUI) refers to the areas where human development and forested or wildland vegetation intersect. These areas are crucial in maintaining healthy forests and reducing the risk of wildfire damage to people and property. In addition, creating fire-resistant landscapes throughout the WUI region helps mitigate the risk of wildfires and protect the environment.

What does WUI mean in construction?

In construction, the term Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) refers to areas where built-up urban environments meet undeveloped wildlands. It designates the transition area between these two environments, providing a buffer zone that helps reduce risks associated with wildfires and other potential hazards. The concept of the WUI is crucial in construction to protect both urban and wildland areas and minimize the risk of wildfires spreading into populated regions.

Wood Fire Treatments:  Pressure Treated vs Topically Applied

Posted on: February 24, 2023

Wood Fire Treatments:  Pressure Treated vs Topically Applied

Natural wood is a beautiful and versatile building material that has been used in construction for centuries. However, its flammability makes it vulnerable to fire damage, which can be devastating. To mitigate the risks associated with using natural wood in construction (and on exterior applications), there are two approaches to fire protection that are available: pressure-treated fire treatment and topical fire treatment. This article will discuss the differences between these two treatments, their benefits, and their compliance with Class A Fire Rating and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) regulations.

Benefits of Utilizing a Fire Treatment

As already mentioned, natural wood has been used as a building material for centuries. However, with the increasing concerns of wildfires threatening properties, some have chosen to use alternative building materials that are manufactured for fire resistance.

Some even try to look like wood.

However, although these materials try to appear like the real deal, they can’t replicate an authentic wood product’s natural warmth and beauty.

Now, with the development and use of these cutting-edge fire retardants, you can utilize wood and have the confidence your project is protected the next time fire is threatening.

Additional benefits include:

  1. Code compliance. In many jurisdictions, fire treatments are required by building codes for certain types of construction. Compliance with Class A Fire Rating and WUI regulations can help ensure the safety of the building and its occupants.
  2. Durability. Pressure-treated fire treatment provides long-lasting protection against decay.

Why Is The Treatment’s Fire Rating Important?

The rating of the fire-retardant solution you decide to use reflects its effectiveness against flame spread and smoke development. The higher the rating in each of these categories the more protective the material is in a fire event so long as the materials are installed in accordance with the International Build Code.

A specific fire rating or designation may be required in some jurisdictions. In that case, you want to ensure the fire solution you choose on meets the requirements for your area. Consulting with local fire code officials is the best practice to ensure compliance and to make sure your structure is safe.

What Are The Fire Rating Classifications?

The following is a basic overview of the fire rating classifications. The index values measure how fast and how far flame will spread over a certain material.

Class 1 (or Class A) Fire Rating

A “Class A” or “Class 1” fire rating is a material’s best fire rating. Materials with this rating do not burn well and have a flame spread index of 0-25.

Class 2 (or Class B) Fire Rating

A “Class B” or “Class 2” fire rating is a material’s second-best rating. The flame spread index of materials with this class rating fall between 26-75.

Class 3 (or Class C) Fire Rating

A “Class C” or “Class 3” fire rating is the third best rating a material can achieve. The flame spread index of materials with this class rating fall between 76-200.

Note: The above rating classifications are established through specific testing processes established by the American Society of Testing and Materials. The ASTM E-84 is the standard test method for assessing the surface burning characteristics of building products to explore how the material might contribute to flame spread in the event of a fire. The test reports the tested product’s Flame Spread index and Smoke Developed index.

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Compliance and Standards

In specific areas under higher than normal threats from wildfires, materials and the application of fire retardant chemicals that meet WUI standards may be required.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, “The WUI is the zone of transition between unoccupied land and human development. It is the line, area or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels.

To achieve both a Class A rating and meet WUI standards, a material must be ignition resistant. Having the ability to resist ignition from flying embers or fire radiation during a wildfire.

california mountain home - wildland urban interface (WUI) compliance area - montana timber products

Pressure-Treated Fire Resistance Treatment

The process of applying a pressure-treated fire treatment involves placing the wood in a vessel, then injecting the chemical preservative under high pressure. This process forces the chemical deep into the wood fibers, providing long-lasting protection against decay, insects, and fire.

The result?

A highly durable and fire-resistant material that can be used in a variety of construction applications.

Materials armed with pressure-applied fire treatment are an ideal choice for applications that require either Class A fire rating compliance, or Class A fire rating in combination with Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) compliance requirements.

For instance, the products we offer (in combination with our Fireline treatment) have been a popular solution to meet these requirement needs.

Is “Pressure-Treated” the Same as Fire-Treated?

Note, the use of pressure is a part of this fire retardant application process; but, “pressure-treating” wood doesn’t necessarily make it a non-combustible material. For instance, the “pressure-treated” wood at your local lumber yard might have a higher resistance to rot and decay; but, it doesn’t mean it was additionally treated for fire resistance.

Topical Fire Treatment

Topical (or spray-applied) fire treatment involves the application of a fire-retardant chemical to the surface of the wood. This chemical creates a barrier that prevents the wood from catching fire. Topical fire treatment is generally less expensive than the pressure-treated alternative.

The topical treatments are applied to the surface of the wood after it has been milled; but, before it has been finished and installed.  

Some topical treatments carry a Class A Fire rating and are accepted in wildfire-prone areas of the country. 

For instance, the spray-applied fire resistant treatment that we offer carries a Class A rating, is environmentally friendly, and is applied by our in-house production team.

Ultimately, the local authority having jurisdiction mandates code compliance pertaining to fire resistant building materials and what is required in your building area.

wood fire resistance testing - wood fire treatments - montana timber products

Will Fire Treatments Affect The Look Of Our Wood Siding?

As a result of the treatment process, we do see a slight finish variation after it has received the pressurized fire treatment.

How noticeable?

Maybe a shade or two darker when finished as compared to the material of the same product line and finished color that wasn’t treated.

Our spray-applied treatment can have a very subtle color change when combined with some of our stains. With that in mind, control samples may be needed.

This is great for areas where only Class A is required; however, if WUI compliance is required in your area, the pressure-applied solution is your only option.

Which Fire Retardant Solution is Best For You?

Choosing the best fire retardant-treated wood solution for you and your project depends on a few factors.

  1. Your budget. Pressure-treated fire retardant is more expensive than the spray-applied option.
  2. Your location. A fire retardant with a Class A rating is the only requirement in some areas. WUI compliance (in addition to a Class A rating) is required in other areas. You need to confirm with the authority with jurisdiction in your building zone.
  3. Your timeline. When it comes to fire protection treatments that we provide, we apply the spray-applied protection in-house whereas pressure-treated is completed in another facility. So, ordering material with our Fireline treatment will affect your lead time.

While eliminating wildfires is not possible, there are viable options, while still using a renewable product like natural wood to help protect your property. Home hardening, which includes implementing fire-resistant exteriors and defensible spaces around structures, is a great first plan of action.

AquaFir™ Lodge Reconditioned with Fireline™ treatment

Posted on: June 2, 2022

AquaFir™ Lodge Reconditioned with Fireline™ treatment

Where:  Colorado
Products:  AquaFir™ product line in brown color with raked texture for siding, soffit, deck trim, window trim, decking, fascia, and faux beam wrap.  Wood substrate is kiln-dried douglas fir.
Product Use:  1×8 vertical shiplap siding, with 1×6 tongue and groove overhangs, and 2×6 tongue and groove decking.  2″ thickness boards varied in widths used for all trim and beam wraps with widths from 4″ to 12″ wide.  All material has been treated for fire protection with Fireline™.

 

Fireline™ treatment is available in all product lines in two wood substrates (douglas fir or cedar).  The treatment solves for WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) code compliance without sacrificing the beauty of real wood.  Choose Fireline™ for peace of mind with your natural aesthetic.  Select your color and let’s get started today.

Montana Timber Products is a specialty wood products manufacturer of rustic, modern and contemporary wood siding, interior accents, reclaimed wood, and barn wood alternatives.  Our ranchwood™, AquaFir™, ranchwood™ Artisan, ranchwood™ weathered, Charwood™, and Corral Board product lines offer a full selection of exterior and interior wood materials.  All the products can be used for residential and commercial application.  Each product line is offered in two wood species, Douglas Fir and Cedar.  Seal-Once offers high performance long lasting waterproofing seal that is environmentally friendly non-toxic protection.  Selling direct to the customer and custom milling each order allows Montana Timber Products flexibility to create your project.  Call 406-215-4961 for more information or fill out the contact form at:  http://www.montanatimberproducts.com/contact/.

AquaFir™ Clear Vertical Grain Cedar with Fireline™ treatment

Posted on: April 28, 2022

AquaFir™ Clear Vertical Grain Cedar with Fireline™ treatment

Where:  Truckee, CA
Products:  AquaFir™ product line in custom color siding and soffit in smooth texture.  Wood substrate is Clear Vertical Grain Cedar.
Product Use:  1×8 tongue and groove with ¼” reveal for the horizontal siding. Soffit material 1×4 tongue and groove is all Fireline™.

Fireline™ treatment uses a vacuum pressure impregnation process to remove moisture and air from the wood cells and replace it with additives.  The fire treatment lasts the useful life of the wood product.  Fireline™ is a compliant option for homes in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zone.  When projects require the extra protection Montana Timber Products offers a solution without sacrificing the character of the natural wood material.

mountain house

wood siding

Our ranchwood™, AquaFir™, ranchwood™ Artisan, ranchwood™ weathered, Charwood™, and Corral Board product lines offer a full selection of exterior and interior wood materials.  All the products can be used for residential and commercial application.  Each product line is offered in two wood species, Douglas Fir and Cedar in various grades, talk to a Montana Timber Products representative to find out what fits your design and budget best.  Call 406-215-4961 for more information or fill out the contact form at:  http://www.montanatimberproducts.com/contact/.

Luxury Hotel in Townsquare Jackson Hole

Posted on: November 18, 2021

Luxury Hotel in Townsquare Jackson Hole

Where:  Wyoming
Products:  ranchwood™ Artisan dusk in cedar and a custom Charwood™ color in douglas fir CVG (clear vertical grain). Both colors are pressure treated to be fire-resistant with Fireline™.
Product Use:  1×6 shiplap for the dusk cedar material, 1×6 tongue and groove profile on the Douglas Fir CVG custom Charwood™ material.

The Cloudveil Hotel (An Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott) was designed to provide luxury and tranquility amid a setting that calls to the mountain naturescape and western heritage of Jackson Hole.  Our team worked closely with the design and construction teams to meet the exacting details that this project required.  All exterior wood siding was manufactured with our Fireline treatment to meet the stringent fire resistance standards.  There are two distinct siding elements that were created specifically for this project to meet the inspired aesthetic vision. Time and again, Montana Timber Products has proven to be the manufacturer of choice for both architects and contractors to provide natural wood siding elements on extraordinary projects.

The hotel used Montana Timber Products pressure treated fire-resistant materials. All the product lines can be pressure treated for effective fire-resistant properties in douglas fir and cedar. Fireline™ is available for interior and exterior use, consult with a sales rep to get additional information on Fireline™ and get your project started.

Montana Timber Products offers five product lines in more than 40 colors, each of these product lines can be used on:  timbers, fabricated trusses, posts, beams, glulam beams, decking, siding, trim, fascia, soffit, interior paneling, and cedar shakes.  Each product is stained and sealed in a controlled environment, ready to install in any weather condition.  Clients can select from the five product lines, two wood species in three grades, six profiles, and four textures to create their perfect project.  All products can be used for commercial and residential application.  Our products can fit any architectural design from mountain rustic, modern rustic and contemporary.  All with mill direct pricing, exceptional quality, consistency, shipping throughout North America and flexibility to customize each order.  Get started today call 406-215-4961 for more information or fill out the contact form at:  http://www.montanatimberproducts.com/contact/

Hyatt Anchorage Alaska

Posted on: September 13, 2019

Hyatt Anchorage Alaska

Where:  Alaska
Product: 
Ranchwood™ exterior siding and interior accents in cedar, timbers are kiln dried douglas fir all in Eastern color with wire brush texture.
Product Use: 1×12 square edge,1×6 tongue and groove, various size timbers, beams, posts, all products have the
FireKote 100 treatment

Fire Kote-100 offers architects, contractors and homeowners protection from fire hazards.  This spray-applied option does not change the appearance of the wood, but gives protection needed in area’s where fire is a concern.  Our process allows us to customize each order to meet customer’s needs.  The extensive line of products include:  siding, trim, soffit, and fascia, interior accents, timbers, fabricated trusses, decking and glulam beams.  Contact Montana Timber Products to get your project started today.  Get samples and a quote by calling 406-215-4961 or fill out the contact form at: http://www.montanatimberproducts.com/contact/