Fire Rebuilding Services Is Rebuilding with Wood a Smart Choice?
After experiencing the devastation of losing your home in a wildfire, it’s natural to wonder how to better protect your new structure from future fires. While wildfires are often influenced by unpredictable factors like weather, vegetation, and climate, there are proven ways to enhance your home’s fire-resistant qualities—regardless of the framing material you choose.
At DC Structures, we primarily frame our structures with wood, and we understand that might raise concerns for some homeowners. However, when paired with modern fire-resistant building techniques, wood offers remarkable advantages, making it a safe, resilient, and sustainable choice for your rebuilding project.
Addressing Fire Safety Concerns
Wildfires are becoming increasingly intense and frequent due to climate change, driven by warmer, drier conditions and prolonged droughts. These fires pose significant risks to homes, communities, and ecosystems, making fire-resistant construction a top priority for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas.
Wood-framed homes, in particular, often come under scrutiny. While over 90% of new homes in the U.S. are built with wood due to its popularity, affordability, and sustainability, some perceive it as less fire-resistant than materials like steel or concrete. The truth is, however, that homes framed with wood can be just as fire-resistant as these alternatives when modern techniques and fire-safe materials are applied.
Does Wood Burn More Easily?
Not all wood is created equal, and not all wood burns easily. When we think of wood as a building material, it’s easy to picture it as a flammable log in a fireplace. However, comparing engineered lumber to firewood is like comparing apples to oranges—they couldn’t be more different.
Consider this: during the 2025 Eaton Fire, an entire block of century-old cedar trees in Altadena survived unscathed, while nearby homes were destroyed. These deodar cedars, known for their thick, fire-resistant bark, managed to self-extinguish when hit by embers—an outcome attributed to their natural properties and the diligent care provided by residents.
This example illustrates that a home’s ability to withstand a wildfire depends more on its overall design, materials, and upkeep than on the framing alone. By combining wood framing with fire-safe materials and thoughtful design, you can create a home that stands up to wildfire threats while delivering long-term comfort and durability.
Exterior Materials:
Your First Line of Defense
Homes built today are far better equipped to withstand natural disasters than those constructed decades ago, thanks to improved building codes and smarter material choices by homeowners. When rebuilding in wildfire-prone areas, the materials and landscaping you choose for your home’s exterior are critical. These elements serve as your first line of defense against a fire and make your home less susceptible to the threat of ignition.
Here are a few strategies for making your home more fire-resistant and resilient:
Fire-Resistant Roofing
Your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a wildfire. Choose materials like composite shingles, metal, clay, or tile roofing for superior fire resistance.
Tempered Glass Windows
Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than standard glass, offering excellent heat resistance and impact protection.
Composite Siding and Decking
For added protection, consider fiber cement, stucco, or treated wood siding, along with ignition-resistant composite decking.
Fire-Smart Landscaping
Create defensible zones, space plants appropriately, and use fire-resistant vegetation to reduce wildfire risks.
Fire Rebuilding
Why Wood is a Smart Choice
Wood has been a trusted building material for centuries—and for good reason. It’s the only major building material that’s renewable, naturally grown, and capable of offering unmatched benefits in terms of sustainability, durability, and long-term value.
As a natural insulator, wood helps regulate indoor temperatures, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, significantly reducing energy costs throughout the seasons. Beyond its practical benefits, studies show that incorporating wood into your home’s design can improve well-being, boosting happiness, health, and creativity by fostering a connection to nature.
At DC Structures, we take wood construction a step further by using high-grade heavy timbers sourced from the Pacific Northwest. Our Douglas fir timbers are kiln-dried, pre-surfaced on all four sides, and free of heart center to ensure exceptional durability and strength. Unlike standard stick-built homes, heavy timbers are denser and slower to burn, offering greater fire resistance.
To further enhance your home’s fire safety, we also provide upgraded timber treatment options, like fire-rated sheathing and nonflammable wood finishes, and can incorporate cross-laminated timbers (CLTs) or other mass timber solutions into your design. These innovative materials deliver superior fire resistance while adding structural integrity and timeless beauty to your home.
Rebuilding Smarter:A Collaborative Process
Rebuilding after a wildfire is never easy, but with DC Structures as your partner, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Our team understands the challenges of designing a home that balances safety, sustainability, and budget considerations, and we’ll guide you through every phase with the expertise and support you need.
From the use of premium heavy timbers to fire-safe exterior materials, we ensure your new home is designed to protect you and your loved ones. With our collaborative and streamlined process, you’ll not only rebuild smarter—you’ll rebuild a home that reflects your vision, supports your lifestyle, and offers lasting peace of mind.
