‘Test houses’ are being burnt down by researchers in the US to learn how different materials can withstand flames.
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And the controlled house burning has already had a positive influence on public fire codes in California. Now, new homes must have ignition-resistant walls, a buffer zone outside, stronger windows and mesh over vents to prevent embers from getting inside.
In recent years, wildfires have grown more intense and destructive across the country, due to a hotter, drier climate. In 2025, there were a total of 77,850 wildland fires recorded in the US.
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