Understanding building resistance to wildfires: a multi-factor approach

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Arvela, André Samora (Author) FLUP; Aranha, José (Author) Other; Correia, Fernando (Author) Other; Pinto, Diogo Miguel (Author) FLUP; Magalhães, Cláudia (Author) FLUP; Tedim, Fantina (Author) FLUP

Journal

Title: Fire

Serial No. Art. 32 Vol. 6 No. 1

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus

SHERPA/RoMEO

Google Scholar

DOAJ

Current Contents

ProQuest

EBSCO

Worldcat OCLC

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-V5M

DOI: 10.3390/fire6010032

Abstract (EN): In terms of researching fire-related structure loss, various factors can affect structure survival during a wildfire. This paper aims to assess which factors were determinants in house resistance in the specific context of a case study of an extreme wildfire in the Central Region of Portugal and therefore which factors should be taken into account in the definition of a municipal mitigation strategy to defend buildings against wildfires. In this context, it is possible to conclude that various factors presented a predominant influence, some in building destruction and others in building survival. The existence of overhanging vegetation and lack of defensible space constitute major factors for structure destruction. the inherent wildfire severity, the location in the forest area, and the structure’s isolation from major roads were equally important factors that induced house destruction. Building survival was determined by its increasing distance from the forest and by its location in a dense urban agglomeration. Thus, a strategy to enhance resilience should include the prohibition of roof overhanging vegetation and the restriction of building permits in forest areas, in isolated locations, and/or very far from major roads. These orientations can be extrapolated to municipalities with similar susceptibility and vulnerability to wildfires.

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15