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
Quote from FRAMECAD: "Cold-formed steel offers a different future — a future where fire-resistant homes can be built with greater durability and structural stability."
How Wooden vs Steel Houses Burn
Wooden Structure
- An electrical short circuit or external source ignites the wooden frame
- Fire spreads through wall and ceiling cavities — often invisibly
- The structure loses load-bearing capacity within 15–30 minutes
- The house may collapse before firefighters arrive
- Total destruction — wood burns completely
LGSF steel structure
- Electrical short circuit does not ignite steel frame — steel requires temperatures above 1,400 °C to melt
- Fire cannot spread through steel profiles
- With fire-resistant plasterboard, the structure withstands 60–120 minutes (REI 60–120)
- Enough time for evacuation and firefighters' arrival
- The structure often remains standing even after the fire
Fire Resistance in Numbers
| Parameter | LGSF + plasterboard | Wood | Masonry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material ignition point | Does not burn | 250–300 °C | Does not burn |
| Flame spread | Does not spread | Spreads through cavities | Does not spread |
| REI resistance (without modifications) | REI 30 | REI 15 | REI 60 |
| REI resistance (with modifications) | REI 120 | REI 60 | REI 180 |
| Structural collapse | Very slow | Fast | Slow |
| Insurance costs | Lower | Higher | Medium |
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.
