New state building codes in Washington aim to protect properties on the edge between urban and wooded areas, known as the wildland urban interface, from wildfire. However, these code changes have sparked backlash from builders, cities, and environmentalists.
The approved guidelines, set to take effect on March 15, require buildings to be constructed or remodeled using fire-resistant materials for roofs, siding, decks, doors, windows, and other parts of the home. The codes also include requirements for creating a “defensible space” around buildings, which acts as a buffer zone between structures and surrounding vegetation. The size of the defensible space ranges from 30 to 100 feet and depends on factors such as building materials, water availability for firefighting, and road access.
Areas near major cities, including Spokane, Olympia, Yakima, and Issaquah, will be subject to the new rules based on hazard assessments and new maps. The wildland urban interface is increasing in population as cities expand and rural homes sprawl, which raises the risk of devastating wildfires.
Supporters of the new building code believe it can prevent homes from being destroyed in these areas. However, opponents argue that the map used to determine which areas fall under these requirements is flawed and includes low-risk places that should be exempt.
Lawmakers tasked the state Building Code Council with creating wildfire safety rules based on a map from the Department of Natural Resources outlining the wildland urban interface. However, critics claim that the map ignores the variations in wildfire risk across the state and does not align with other agencies’ methods for assessing fire risk.
While the new codes aim to address the growing wildfire risk, there are concerns about the clarity and accuracy of the map and its impact on different regions. The controversy surrounding these building codes reflects the ongoing challenges in balancing wildfire protection with other environmental and economic considerations.
