Research shows ember impact on home ignition during wildfires in Montana

Residents of Missoula are set to benefit from new insights into wildfire risk reduction following a recent presentation at the City Club Missoula. The discussion, led by experts in fire science, focused on the critical factors contributing to home ignitions during wildfires and proposed strategies to mitigate these risks.

The presentation highlighted three primary ways homes can catch fire: direct flame contact, radiant heat, and embers. Direct flame contact occurs when a burning object ignites a nearby non-burning object. Radiant heat, which can travel significant distances, poses a serious threat as it can ignite structures even without direct contact. However, the most alarming statistic shared was that embers account for 90% of home losses during wildfire events. These embers can travel up to four miles ahead of a fire, landing on flammable surfaces and potentially leading to widespread destruction.

To illustrate these concepts, a demonstration was shown comparing two identical duplexes—one built with traditional materials and the other with fire-resistant materials. The results were stark: the home constructed with conventional materials was completely consumed by flames within ten minutes, while the fire-resistant home sustained minimal damage. This stark contrast underscores the importance of using non-combustible materials in home construction, particularly in wildfire-prone areas.

The meeting emphasized the need for community awareness and proactive measures to protect homes from wildfires. As Missoula continues to face the threat of wildfires, the insights shared during this presentation could lead to significant changes in building practices and community preparedness efforts. The city is encouraged to adopt these findings to enhance safety and resilience against future wildfire events.