Why scientists are setting homes on fire

0 views
0%

Why scientists are setting homes on fire

‘Test houses’ are being burnt down by researchers in the US to learn how different materials can withstand flames.

[Subscribe to our Substack newsletter: https://channel4news.substack.com/subscribe]

And the controlled house burning has already had a positive influence on public fire codes in California. Now, new homes must have ignition-resistant walls, a buffer zone outside, stronger windows and mesh over vents to prevent embers from getting inside.

In recent years, wildfires have grown more intense and destructive across the country, due to a hotter, drier climate. In 2025, there were a total of 77,850 wildland fires recorded in the US.

——-

Get more news at our site – https://www.channel4.com/news/

Subscribe to our Substack newsletter: https://channel4news.substack.com/subscribe

Follow us:
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@c4news
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/channel4news/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/Channel4News
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Channel4News/

Date: April 22, 2026