No words really - just a horror show. Some of the design choices we made here helped. But we were also very lucky.

This 1940's bungalow survived the eye of the Palisades fire conflagration. Soot from direct flame can be seen on the windward side. Wind driven embers collecting at the base of walls were a common source of ignition. Here the flames were resisted by a thick brick veneer

Two story wood homes are firebombs and almost no neighboring homes survived this. With 30mph+ winds one home after another will ignite - like matches in a row. The Palisades will remain at grave risk of future conflagration without further measures beyond the WUI code.

IBHS's 2023 model code includes an "optimum tier designed for use in the most extreme wildfire prone areas and/or environments with dense residential construction near high density wildland fuels" i.e. the Palisades and Altadena. 1-hr fire rated non-combustible walls/eaves,

IBHS delivers a post fire field report confirming my own on the ground observations. Almost no homes survived downwind of an engulfed two story home. Increased setbacks much be a rebuild consideration.

Windows were a weak link in #PalisadesFire. Simple stucco walls (fire rated) proved remarkably resilient but even tempered glass fails with extended flame exposure. Increased setbacks helped these homes survive. #IBHS further recommends fire rated windows or shutters in these

Concrete wall and fence bases offered significant protection against ember attack. The #IBHS "wildfire prepared home" requires a 6" noncombustible base at all exterior walls and decks.

Corner lot houses with increased setbacks were much less likely to burn in the #PalisadesFire. This house was protected by a Zone 0 clearance, masonry fences, and a tall, well watered hedge. The lack of air sealing will make reoccupation difficult and expensive.

Today’s post from an Allianz board member: “We are fast approaching temperature levels – 1.5C, 2C, 3C – where insurers will no longer be able to offer coverage for many of these risks,” he said. “The math breaks down: the premiums required exceed what people or companies can

Glass works great - until it doesn’t. Outside corner cracked by radiant heat. Inside corner cracked by collected embers. The last house standing on this cul de sac.