Fire resistance of LGSF: Lessons from Altadena and why steel protects your home

In January 2026, devastating wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, California destroyed thousands of homes. Damages exceeded tens of billions of dollars. But from the ashes, a new approach to construction is emerging — the first house being rebuilt in Altadena uses cold-formed steel (CFS) instead of traditional wood.

This case perfectly illustrates why LGSF is the safest construction technology in terms of fire resistance.

Altadena: A Turning Point

In March 2026, FRAMECAD announced that the first fire-resistant house in Altadena is being built with a steel frame. Why did the owners choose CFS over wood?

• Steel does not burn — unlike wood, which is the primary fuel in house fires
• Steel does not spread flames — fire cannot propagate through cavities as it does in wooden structures
• Structural integrity — steel frames retain load-bearing capacity longer even at extreme temperatures
• Insurance benefits — insurers offer lower premiums for steel constructions in fire-prone areas

How Wooden vs Steel Houses Burn

Wooden Structure

1. An electrical short circuit or external source ignites the wooden frame
2. Fire spreads through wall and ceiling cavities — often invisibly
3. The structure loses load-bearing capacity within 15–30 minutes
4. The house may collapse before firefighters arrive
5. Total destruction — wood burns completely

LGSF steel structure

1. Electrical short circuit does not ignite steel frame — steel requires temperatures above 1,400 °C to melt
2. Fire cannot spread through steel profiles
3. With fire-resistant plasterboard, the structure withstands 60–120 minutes (REI 60–120)
4. Enough time for evacuation and firefighters' arrival
5. The structure often remains standing even after the fire

Fire Resistance in Numbers

Not just California — fires are a global issue

Fires are not just an American problem. In Europe, the frequency and intensity of forest fires are increasing due to climate change:

• Greece 2023 — devastating fires destroyed thousands of homes
• Portugal — repeated fires during summer months
• Southern France and Spain — increasing risk
• Czech Republic 2022 — the fire in Hřensko demonstrated that Central Europe is not immune

LGSF construction provides passive fire protection — you do not have to rely on sprinklers or extinguishers. The structure itself is non-combustible.

Florida: Hurricanes and fires

Florida is another example where LGSF proves its value. In 2024, hurricanes caused damages exceeding 200 billion dollars. Steel frame houses:

• Withstood winds up to 240 km/h
• The steel frame bends instead of breaking
• No fires occur after hurricanes from damaged electrical wiring — steel does not spread flames
• Steel houses are 5× stronger than wooden ones (Florida Steel Homes)

What this means for Europe

European building codes (Eurocodes) require fire resistance REI 30–60 for residential buildings. LGSF with fire-resistant plasterboard achieves REI 60–120 — significantly exceeding minimum requirements.

For developers and investors, this means: - Lower insurance costs — insurers value the non-combustible structure - Compliance with the strictest standards — without compromises - Marketing advantage — a “fire-resistant house” is a strong selling point - Future regulations — the EU is tightening fire standards, LGSF is ready

Skymax Living: Safety first

All our LGSF systems and Flexi Panels are designed with maximum fire safety in mind. We use galvanized steel profiles combined with fire-resistant insulation and plasterboard, ensuring fire resistance that meets and exceeds European standards.

Want to learn more about LGSF fire safety? Contact us for a technical consultation.