Fire Safety First: Replacing Wood with Semi-Privacy Perimeter in Colorado

In wildfire-prone areas like Eagle County, Colorado, new regulations now prohibit the attachment of wood fencing to homes due to the heightened fire risk. One of our customers, after attending a community meeting about these fire safety measures, sought a safer fencing solution that complied with the updated codes. After careful consideration and consultation with her community association, she opted for our composite wheat-based formula, which has undergone rigorous testing.

She selected our  Composite Modern Semi-Privacy Perimeter Fence and Composite Modern Semi-Privacy Perimeter Gate in Rosewood. A critical aspect of this project was the involvement of the Roaring Fork Valley Wildfire Collaborative, an initiative aimed at reducing wildfire risks and promoting fire-resilient landscapes. Their recommendation to incorporate metal accents between the fence posts and the house added an extra layer of safety to the installation. 

This collaboration highlights how Nature's Composites' products align with broader community efforts to mitigate wildfire hazards. Although we are cautious not to claim that our products are fire-resistant, our composite formula has been tested using ASTM E84-23B, a standard method for evaluating surface burning characteristics. Our product achieved a flame spread index of 75, placing it in Class B, which is significantly better than untreated wood, which typically scores between 150 and 200, putting it in Class C, the least fire-resistant category.

The customer was particularly pleased with how our products not only met safety standards but also enhanced her home’s aesthetic. This installation showcases how Nature’s Composites provides an appealing alternative to wood, combining enhanced safety with design flexibility.

While wood is often unsuitable for wildfire-prone regions due to its high flammability, our Class B rating offers a safer solution that maintains the natural look and feel of traditional wood fencing, meeting both fire safety requirements and aesthetic preferences.

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