Wildfire-Ready Homes Start with Smart Materials & Smarter Building
At Ironwood Imports, we believe fire resistance shouldn't be an afterthought—it should be built into the foundation of every home. As wildfires continue to threaten communities across the U.S., especially in states like California, Colorado, and Texas, there's a growing urgency to rethink how we build.
The Landscape is Changing—Literally
With a tight housing market and low inventory, new developments are pushing further into wildfire-prone regions, also known as the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). Currently, more than 45 million homes exist in these high-risk zones—a number that has grown by nearly 50% since 1990.
And that number is still rising.
Homeowners are weighing the risks of building in these zones more seriously than ever, and forward-thinking builders are stepping up—integrating wildfire mitigation & structure hardening into their services from day one.
A Shift in Homebuilding Strategy
Rebuilding after a wildfire is far more expensive—and traumatic—than building with fire resistance in mind from the start. That’s why modern builders are designing homes to resist ignition, using:
- Non-combustible materials for siding, roofing, and fencing
- Performance mesh vent screening to block ember intrusion
- Hardscaping and defensible space within 0-5 feet of the home
- Sealed decks, soffits, and roof gullets to eliminate ember traps
It’s a proactive approach that protects not just one home, but entire neighborhoods. " Science-Backed Steps from the Start."
Why Embers Are the Real Enemy
It’s not the towering flames that pose the biggest threat—it’s the embers. Studies show that 9 out of 10 homes that burn during a wildfire ignite because of floating embers finding their way into small cracks, vents, or dry debris. These tiny fire starters can travel miles ahead of the main fire.
That’s why Ironwood Imports aims to educate on practical, ember-resistant materials & design solutions to stop fires before they ever start.
Building Smarter is a Selling Point
Homeowners today are more wildfire-aware than ever. Many are now looking for homes already equipped with fire-resistant features—or builders who know how to incorporate them from the ground up.
As private insurers pull back from high-risk areas and wildfire seasons stretch longer each year, the demand for “Wildfire Prepared Homes” is only growing.
Builders who lead with fire-smart design not only protect communities—they gain a serious edge in the market.
Our Mission at Ironwood Imports
We're here to support both builders and homeowners by offering the materials, knowledge, & solutions needed to create safer, more resilient homes in fire-prone areas. Whether you're developing a new neighborhood or upgrading an existing property, we can help you make the fire-resistant choice—without compromising on design or budget.