Wind-Driven Fire Spread to a Structure from Landscape Timbers

This NIST study examines how landscape timbers contribute to fire spread during wildland-urban interface (WUI) events. Through 16 wind-driven experiments, researchers found that landscape timbers can ignite spot fires, transfer flames to structures, and harbor deep-seated, persistent fires. Variables like wind speed, timber type, stack height, mulch presence, and orientation significantly impacted fire behavior. The findings aim to inform codes, standards, and best practices to reduce structural vulnerability in fire-prone areas.