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FireHard was built by a small team in Smithers, BC. Wildfire resilience is bigger than any small group.
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Built in wildfire country
FireHard was built on evenings and weekends by a small team of building science professionals in Smithers, BC — a town of 5,400 people in northern British Columbia where wildfire smoke fills the valley every summer. We’re transitioning to a federal not-for-profit so this work belongs to everyone.
FireSmart™ manages vegetation. The NRC Guide provides science. FireHard provides construction guidance — the layer that turns research into buildable assemblies.
Review, test, and help us improve
Reference FireHard in DPAs. Use CNEL for subdivision review.
Review specs. Challenge assumptions. Help us get it right.
WER as a binary risk differentiator. Measurable.
Test guides on real projects. Tell us what costs we got wrong.
Field validation data. Adoption studies. Material testing.
Use it. Tell us if it made sense. Share what it cost.
Express interest
All documents
Every FireHard document, free. Published under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
Design Guides (6)
Roof, vents, gaps, perimeter.
WER-2 Radiant HeatWindows, siding, soffits on exposed faces.
WER-3 Flame DefenceFull NC envelope on exposed faces.
WER-4 Flame ZoneP.Eng. required.
New ConstructionAll levels consolidated for new builds.
Self-AssessmentPrintable walkthrough for existing homes.
Technical Reference (4)
Modules & Bulletins (11)
Windows, doors, glazing.
Module 2: Roof & EavesCoverings, soffits, fascia, gutters.
Module 3: VentsScreening and sealing.
Module 4: DecksDecks, pergolas, carports.
Module 5: SiteFencing, landscaping, perimeter.
Module 6: WallsCladding and assemblies.
TB-01: Assembly DesignHow to read assembly specs.
TB-02: High-Risk FeaturesCommon dangerous features.
TB-03: New NormalCanada's changing fire landscape.
TB-04: SubdivisionsCNEL in new developments.
TB-05: First NationsIndigenous community guidance.