WooodChat: Building safely with timber in bushfire zonesFriday 7 Feb 2025
Australia’s Experience with Bushfire Risk Management Unfortunately, Australians are no strangers to such events, as communities here have long endured their own battles with managing the risks and consequences of bushfires. With this firsthand experience comes valuable expertise, particularly in the areas of bushfire risk management and the innovative use of materials that increase the resilience of buildings in high-risk zones. Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has been leading the way for the safe and effective use of fire-resistant building materials, specifically timber, in bushfire prone areas by undertaking extensive research and developing Codes and Standards to ensure that timber construction in bushfire zones is as safe, practical, and reliable as possible. Insights from Industry Experts: Boris Iskra and Kersten Gentle To explore this topic in greater depth, we spoke with Boris Iskra, National Codes and Standards Manager at FWPA. Boris shared his perspective on the devastating Californian fires and offered valuable insights into the bushfire mitigation techniques and safety measures adopted in Australia. The conversation covered the evolving landscape of fire safety design for timber buildings, highlighting recent advancements that make timber framing for bushfire resilience a viable and increasingly popular choice. Additionally, listeners will hear from Kersten Gentle, CEO of the Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association of Australia (FTMA). Kersten recently penned an impactful Opinion Piece, in which she outlines why timber remains a sustainable choice for construction in bushfire-prone areas. She discusses a variety of benefits, from its adaptability to its compatibility with modern safety standards. Timber construction, when paired with informed designs and best practices, can effectively balance resilience with sustainability. This episode is not just about sharing knowledge; it aims to inspire confidence in using timber as a core component of fire safety design. Timber construction in bushfire zones, when executed correctly, offers sustainable solutions that align with rigorous bushfire mitigation techniques. From understanding the importance of compliance to codes like Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessments to exploring innovations in fire-resistant, durable timber products, we’re highlighting the future of sustainable and resilient building practices. Tune in to hear these expert voices and learn how the timber industry in Australia and beyond is not only adapting to bushfire challenges but also leading the way with forward-thinking solutions that keep communities safer while remaining committed to sustainable practices. Listen to WoodChat - Episode 36 Source: FWPA  | ||
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