As wildfires continue to devastate the Western U.S., the International Code Council urges its members and partners to remain vigilant. This week, wildfires have severely impacted Oregon, Idaho, California, New Mexico and Colorado, resulting in significant destruction and displacement. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, large wildfires have consumed 2.3 million acres to date in 2024.

Oregon and Idaho: These states are grappling with megafires, especially in the eastern regions. Counties such as Baker, Malheur, Harney, Gilliam and Morrow are particularly affected.

Colorado: Near Denver, three wildfires, including the Stone Canyon and Quarry Fires, have caused severe damage. The Stone Canyon fire, which has burned more than 1,500 acres, tragically claimed one life. The Quarry Fire, previously known as the Wildland Fire, has led to rapid evacuations in Jefferson County due to its fast spread.

California: The Park Fire, which began on July 24 in Northern California, has now become the fifth-largest wildfire in state history, it has burned over 391,000 acres. Efforts to contain the blaze continue as the fires threaten various communities.

We extend our deepest concern to all those affected and are dedicated to supporting our members and partners during this challenging time. The Code Council provides resources for post-disaster building safety assessments, supplemental staffing and other needs that may arise.

Jurisdictions may request assistance here through the Disaster Response Alliance (DRA), a national database of skilled, trained and certified building safety professionals.

If you need assistance, please reach out to us through your regional Government Relations representative or directly to Karl Fippinger, the Code Council’s Vice President of Fire and Disaster Mitigation.

Acknowledging the severe consequences of wildfires, the Code Council stresses the importance of adhering to the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code® (IWUIC) for buildings sited in areas at-risk of wildfires. This includes using ignition-resistant building materials, implementing measures to mitigate ember penetration, maintaining defensible spaces around properties and ensuring adequate access for fire services.

California is on-track to adopt the IWUIC as the basis for its California Wildland-Urban Interface Code by the end of this year. The proposal will be heard by the full California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) in December for final approval.
For more information on wildfire mitigation, we invite you to visit our Wildfire Information and Resources page.