Wildfires Are Changing the Way We Build
Wildfires are no longer a seasonal concern. They have become a year-round issue that is changing the way homes and commercial buildings are designed across the country. States like Colorado, California and Texas are seeing more frequent drought conditions, longer fire seasons and larger wildfire risk zones than ever before. In Colorado alone, 2026 has already brought below-average snowpack, early drought conditions and increased concerns about what could become one of the state’s most active wildfire seasons in years.
As more areas are classified as Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones, builders are being pushed to rethink the materials they use. Fire-rated framing, siding, decking and roof systems are becoming increasingly important, not only to protect structures but also to meet stricter building code requirements. The shift is already happening, and builders who prepare early will have a major advantage.
What Is Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood?
Fire-retardant-treated wood, often referred to as FRTW, is wood that has been pressure-impregnated with fire-retardant chemicals during manufacturing. Unlike paints, coatings or surface sprays, pressure treatment forces the chemicals deep into the wood fibers to create longer-lasting protection.
This distinction is important because building codes generally do not recognize coatings or stains as a replacement for true fire-retardant-treated wood in structural applications. Pressure-treated fire-rated wood is designed to provide consistent performance over time, even after exposure to moisture, weather and changing temperatures.
After treatment, fire-rated lumber is kiln-dried to maintain stability and moisture control. Most code-compliant fire-treated lumber must be dried to 19% moisture content or less, while treated wood structural panels are generally required to be dried to 15% or less.
What Are the Fire Codes for Wood Products?
Fire codes for wood products are primarily governed by the International Building Code (IBC). Under IBC Section 2303.2, fire-retardant-treated wood must be pressure-impregnated during manufacturing in order to meet code requirements.
Several important testing standards are used throughout the industry. ASTM E84 is used to evaluate flame spread and smoke development. To achieve a Class A fire rating, a product typically must have a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke-developed index of 450 or less. ASTM E119 is used to test the fire resistance of full wall, floor and roof assemblies. This means products are often judged not just by the material itself, but by how the entire system performs together.
In many WUI areas, exterior wall assemblies, siding, decking and soffits are required to be either non-combustible, ignition-resistant or specifically approved as fire-retardant-treated wood. Many jurisdictions also require the bottom six inches of exterior walls to be non-combustible and require ember-resistant vents and mesh openings no larger than one-eighth inch.
Why Hoover Is the Industry Leader
When it comes to fire-treated wood, Hoover Treated Wood Products is widely considered one of the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Hoover has been producing fire-retardant-treated wood products since 1955 and is known for providing pressure-treated lumber and plywood that meet strict code requirements while maintaining structural performance. One of the major advantages of working with Hoover products is that they come with the documentation builders and inspectors need. SWP can provide certificates, technical data, code information and other supporting documentation for projects requiring fire-rated framing materials. That helps make the inspection process easier and gives contractors confidence that the materials being used are code compliant and properly certified.
Colorado Is Becoming a Full Fire State
Colorado has always had wildfire risk, but the scale and frequency of fires have changed dramatically over the past decade. Drier winters, lower snowpack, earlier snowmelt and hotter summers are creating more fuel for wildfires across the state.
As development continues to expand into foothill and mountain communities, more homes are being built directly within WUI zones. Areas that may not have needed fire-rated materials in the past are now beginning to adopt stricter building codes, especially for siding, roofing, decking and exterior framing.
Many experts believe Colorado is moving toward becoming a “full fire state,” meaning fire-related building requirements could eventually become common across much larger parts of the state, not just in mountain towns or heavily forested regions.
How Specialty Wood Products Is Staying Ahead of the Curve
While many suppliers are waiting for fire-rated materials to become more common, Specialty Wood Products is already preparing for what is next. Specialty Wood Products stocks Hoover ExteriorFireX® Douglas fir framing products as well as fire-rated cedar siding options like New Age Defend.
That is important because builders no longer want to choose between fire compliance and appearance. Products like New Age Defend allow homeowners and architects to achieve the premium look of cedar while still meeting code requirements in fire-prone areas.
Specialty Wood Products is not just stocking products. We are actively studying code changes, working with manufacturers and helping builders understand how to stay compliant as wildfire-related requirements continue to evolve. In a market that is changing quickly, having the right supplier can make all the difference.
Fire-Retardant Framing Now in Stock
Specialty Wood Products is now stocking Hoover ExteriorFireX® fire-retardant-treated Douglas fir framing lumber in #2/BTR grade for above-ground applications.
One of Hoover’s most recognized products is ExteriorFireX®, an exterior-rated fire-retardant-treated wood product designed for applications exposed to humidity and weather. ExteriorFireX® carries a Class A flame spread rating of 25 or less and a smoke-developed index of 450 or less under ASTM E84 testing.
What separates Hoover from many alternatives is the level of testing and durability behind the product. Hoover’s ExteriorFireX® is tested for 30 minutes rather than the standard 10-minute flame spread test and maintains its fire classification even after accelerated weather exposure testing under ASTM D2898. This makes it one of the strongest options available for exterior framing, roof sheathing, fascia, subfloors and other above-ground applications.
This material is not preservative treated. It is specifically designed as a fire-retardant-treated wood product for applications where code-compliant fire performance is required. Because it is not preservative treated, it should only be used in above-ground applications and not in direct ground contact.
We are bringing in 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10 and 2×12 sizes. Length availability may vary by product and project, so customers should contact their Specialty Wood Products sales representative for additional information on available lengths, lead times and current inventory.
New Age Defend Is Changing Fire-Rated Siding
New Age has quickly become one of the most exciting siding brands in the market because it brings together performance, appearance and innovation in a way that many fire-rated siding options simply do not. While most fire-compliant siding products force builders to choose between aesthetics and code compliance, New Age Defend offers both.
New Age Defend uses Hoover-treated cedar that has been pressure impregnated with fire-retardant chemicals to help reduce flame spread and smoke development. Because the cedar is pressure treated rather than coated, the protection goes deep into the wood fibers for more consistent and longer-lasting performance.
SWP currently offers New Age Defend in a 1×6 cedar tongue-and-groove nickel gap profile with Drift texture, creating a clean look that works well across both contemporary and traditional designs. The product is available in more than 25 colors.
Another major advantage is that New Age Defend is stained on all sides before installation. By coating the front, back and edges of the material, the siding is better protected from moisture movement, weather exposure and uneven color change over time. This also means the product arrives ready for installation, helping save time on the jobsite and reduce finishing work in the field.
Visitors can learn more about available profiles, textures and colors by visiting newagesiding.com.
The Future of Building Is Fire-Ready
The reality is simple: fire-rated construction is no longer optional in many parts of the country. Builders, architects, homeowners and developers all need to pay closer attention to the materials they use and how those materials perform.
Fire-retardant-treated framing, fire-rated cedar siding, ignition-resistant decking and Class A-rated assemblies are becoming a bigger part of construction every year. Builders who understand these products now will be better positioned to stay compliant, avoid delays and deliver safer projects in the future.
The market is changing quickly, and the builders who adapt early will be the ones who stay ahead.
