Fires pose a significant threat to both property and lives, with statistics showing alarming frequency and devastating consequences. In the United States alone, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recorded over 1.3 million fires in 2021, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries, and nearly $15.9 billion in damages. The impact is particularly acute in residential settings, where the majority of fire-related fatalities occur.
To mitigate these risks, stringent building codes have been established, mandating materials and structures that resist fire and smoke propagation. Central to this effort is the use of fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) in construction, offering a crucial line of defense against fire hazards.
Dr. Dave Bueche, Hoover’s Director of Fire & Life Safety Codes, delves into the specifics of fire safety standards and testing procedures, highlighting the significance of flame spread, smoke development, and fire endurance evaluations in his white paper, “Fire in Building Life Safety with Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood.”
He emphasizes the critical role of FRTW in meeting these standards, particularly in exterior wall assemblies exceeding 40 feet above grade.
“Third-party testing and certification, such as those provided by UL Solutions, play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance and reducing liability for architects and engineers,” says Bueche. “Hoover’s products, such as PyroGuard™ fire-retardant-treated wood are standout solutions, backed by rigorous testing and UL certification for both ASTM E119 and NFPA 285 standards.”
His white paper provides a comprehensive overview of PyroGuard™’s performance and certifications, and explores further details on UL’s listings and technical specifications. Whether seeking practical solutions for fire-safe construction or delving into the intricacies of building life safety, PyroGuard™ offers a compelling avenue for architects, engineers, and stakeholders alike.
“In a landscape where fire hazards persist as a formidable challenge, PyroGuard™ stands as a beacon of safety, offering tested and certified solutions to safeguard lives and property against the ravages of fire,” said Bueche.
Read the full white paper to learn more about fire safety and FRTW’s pivotal role:
Fire in Building Life Safety with Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood
* * *
About Dr. Dave Bueche
Dave Bueche, Director of Fire & Life Safety Codes at Hoover Treated Wood Products, is a leading authority on fire-retardant-treated wood. With 40 years of experience, he’s supervised construction projects, managed associations, led research, and taught courses. His team develops product applications, sets standards, and promotes fire-retardant-treated wood in construction. Active in ASTM, ICC, NFPA, SFPE, SWST, and past board member of the Forest Products Society, he serves on UL’s Standards Technical Panel and ASTM/NFPA committees. Bueche’s extensive publication record and conference presentations attest to his expertise in advancing fire safety in construction.
