A longtime AWCI member and owner and president of Nathan Kimmel Company, Carol Schary has led the California-based company for 28 years. Nathan Kimmel has been in operation since 1956. Carol participated in a roundtable discussion with Muhammed Imran Taj, PhD, Hse Fire Protection. The full article is available here and the summary of their conversation is found below.
Impact of Recent Wildfires on Neighbors
Carol shared that two of her friends lost their homes and belongings in the recent California wildfires. One of them is exploring alternative building materials that avoid wood framing. Carol is looking into steel-stud construction, which is non-combustible and can withstand major earthquakes in Southern California. However, she notes that wood framing is still dominant due to lower steel costs and lack of training for steel framing within carpenter unions. Carol is also exploring additional products to support rebuilding efforts.
The wildfires offer several key lessons:
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures and dryness intensify wildfires, highlighting the need for climate change action.
- Proactive Forest Management: Fire suppression has led to excess vegetation, increasing wildfire risks. Controlled burns and thinning forests can reduce fuel.
- Community Preparedness: Effective emergency planning and education are vital for fire preparedness.
- Urban Planning: Creating defensible spaces and using fire-resistant materials in expanding urban areas can reduce fire damage.
- Collaboration Among Agencies: Coordinated efforts between local, state, and federal agencies are essential for effective fire management.
- Indigenous Practices: Indigenous fire management techniques offer valuable insights into controlling and preventing wildfires.
Rebuilding Efforts
FEMA is the primary agency for coordinating recovery and rebuilding homes damaged or destroyed by wildfires, working with state and local authorities. In Southern California, fire-resistant construction methods are key:
- Fire-Resistant Roofing: Using metal, slate, or tile for roofs.
- Non-Combustible Siding: Materials like stucco or fiber-cement for walls.
- Ember-Resistant Openings: Vents and screens to prevent embers from entering homes.
- Defensible Space: Creating a buffer zone with fire-resistant landscaping.
- Structural Enhancements: Steel or concrete framing to improve fire resistance.
Fire-Suppression Systems: Sprinklers and advanced fire alarms. Rebuilding will also follow updated building codes to ensure fire safety and resilience.
Standards for Fire Protection Engineering: New constructions will adhere to standards such as the California Building Standards Code (CBC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines, and international codes like the International Building Code (IBC), which cover fire protection and resilience against wildfires.
Role of Fireproofing in New Construction: Fireproofing ensures structural integrity and safety through the use of fire-resistant materials and systems, such as compartmentation and fire-stopping. Compliance with codes like the NFPA 5000 and California Fire Code will be critical in rebuilding efforts.
Recommendations for Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation: Carol advocates for the following strategies to prevent future wildfires:
Stronger Building and Land Use Codes: Mandate fire-resistant construction and defensible space requirements.
Improved Forest and Vegetation Management: Focus on proactive measures like controlled burns and vegetation management.
Advanced Technologies: Use satellite imagery and AI for early wildfire detection and monitoring.
Community Preparedness: Invest in public education and emergency response training.
Collaboration Across Agencies: Develop coordinated wildfire response plans among all levels of government.
Climate Change Integration: Adapt mitigation strategies to account for climate change and long-term sustainability.
Rebuilding Timeline
Immediate Recovery (Days to Months): Emergency services and temporary housing are established quickly.
Short-Term Rebuilding (1–3 Years): Initial repairs to community infrastructure and essential services.
Long-Term Restoration (5–15 Years or More): Full recovery, including permanent housing and infrastructure, could take up to 15 years, depending on the severity of the damage and availability of resources.
Message to the Community
Carol reassures the community that Nathan Kimmel Company is ready to support the rebuilding process with quality products, quick service, and technical assistance to help restore Los Angeles. The company is committed to providing the necessary resources to aid in recovery efforts.
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