4 weeks ago
19
After losing her house to a wildfire in 2021, a Colorado woman is rebuilding with fire-resistant earth blocks, joining a growing number of people in the region looking to better protect their homes.
Nick Aspinwall reports for BBC.
In short:
- Melanie Glover's home was destroyed in a 2021 wildfire, prompting her to rebuild with earth blocks, a fire-resistant material.
- Traditional adobe homes in the Southwest U.S. inspired her design, which also reduces energy use and environmental impact.
- Research shows that earth blocks not only resist fire but can strengthen when exposed to extreme heat.
Key quote:
“I said to myself, dirt doesn't burn. We should build a house of dirt..”
— Melanie Glover, homeowner
Why this matters:
As climate change drives more severe wildfires, alternative building materials like earth blocks offer a safer, sustainable option. These structures, if widely adopted, could reduce fire risks and lower carbon emissions.
