MSU researching fire-resistant structures

msulogo2015908522
msulogo2015908522

As house fires rise nationwide, researchers at Michigan State University are working to make buildings more fire-resistant.

In 2023, more than 120 Michiganders died in more than 100 house fires. That’s 11% more fires than the state’s five-year average, and 4% more deaths.

Venkatesh Kodur, who leads MSU’s first-in-the-nation center on designing fire-resistant structures, says modern homes are at greater risk than homes built in the 1970s and 80s.

“In fact, we did a project with the Underwriters Laboratories to show this. Even the structural materials we use in modern houses are much more vulnerable,” Kodur said.

Experts warn a blaze can grow in just three to eight minutes, depending on what’s burning and the room size. But there is good news — Kodur emphasizes most house fires can be prevented with simple precautions.

“You don’t turn on the stove to cook something and then go upstairs to take a shower. So, being vigilant all the time next to the stove, or when you do barbecue and stuff. Then the second thing, regularly cleaning the lint trap in dryers.”

Kodur hopes MSU’s research will lead to homes built with less combustible materials. Fire investigators also stress the importance of using smoke detectors. They point out most fires happen from cooking, smoking indoors and overloading electrical outlets.

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