The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, California Nevada Cement Association (CNCA) and California Construction and Industrial Materials Association (CalCIMA) have tailored a campaign for Golden State property owners, communities and lawmakers confronting rebuilding decisions after recent wildfires. “Building With Resilience” consolidates resources for experts seeking information on the highest levels of structural durability and strategies for slowing wildfire spread. Campaign organizers aim to prove how incentivizing and investing in fire-resistant, non-combustible materials or assemblies is the most cost-effective and sustainable way to rebuild in fire-damaged areas while protecting community safety.
“California is at a turning point where we can and must build better than before. We can no longer tolerate homes and communities being destroyed by fires by rebuilding in ways that we know aren’t safe,” says CNCA Executive Director Tom Tietz. “Let’s build our future with safer structures by using materials that don’t burn, rot, or rust. This will minimize damage and speed up recovery for those of us that will inevitably face future fire threats.”
“We know there are debates, trade-offs, and intense conversations on these topics—especially among lawmakers, insurance experts, and building code officials—but we simply must prioritize the ways communities can withstand changing climate patterns and natural disasters,” adds NRMCA Senior Vice President, Codes and Standards Shamim Rashid-Sumar. “We believe showing why building with non-combustible materials is the best overall path forward given all the natural disasters and emergencies we must prepare for is an issue worth championing.”
“People have learned for thousands of years that you can never truly fireproof our built environment. And yet we know owners, designers, and builders are still having to make choices each day about non-combustible materials used in construction and infrastructure development. This initiative will help make clear there is an absolute standard for fire resilience,” affirms CalCIMA CEO Robert Dugan. “We’ll convene the world’s leading experts with a focus on how we can prioritize the use of concrete, masonry, metal, stone, fiber-cement, and asphalt readily available here in California and in ways that meet the state’s ambitious environmental and climate goals. This matters not only for housing but for community infrastructure, especially roads and water supply, which are critical during fire events. We know arguments for concrete homes and infrastructure are being made. There are companies in-market today delivering, but we need local governments to prioritize codes and ordinances that ensure a smooth path to non-combustible construction.”