In the wake of increasingly severe wildfires, more homeowners, developers, and builders are asking a vital question: how can we rebuild safer, stronger, and smarter?
At Freres, we’ve seen firsthand what wildfire devastation looks like. Our headquarters sits just miles from communities still recovering from the 2020 Labor Day fires. We know the emotional, financial, and physical toll that wildfires leave behind. That’s why we believe building back with fire resilience in mind isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.
Why Mass Ply Panels Work for Wildfire Recovery
Mass Ply Panels offer a faster, more fire-resilient way to rebuild. Backed by rigorous third-party fire testing, our panels char slowly and predictably, outperforming concrete, steel, and even some other mass timber products. As a fire resistant building material, they provide structural integrity and safety in a single product—helping families rebuild with peace of mind.
One Oregon homeowner who lost their family retreat in the 2020 fires chose to rebuild with MPP for exactly this reason. Partnering with Kaufman Homes and SkyLab, the project used 6,750 cubic feet of MPP for the floors, walls, and roof. These six-inch panels delivered both strength and resilience. Unlike traditional lumber framing that requires added layers for fire protection, MPP contributes directly to the building’s fire hardening.
Other fire safety strategies in the home included metal and shou sugi ban siding, rock buffers instead of landscaping, sprinkler hookups, and non-flammable insulation. Every detail, down to roof drainage and attic airflow, was designed with fire safety in mind.
Building Smarter for the Future
This is what smarter rebuilding looks like: using proven materials, prioritizing safety, and designing for the environment we live in now—not the one we used to have.
We’re proud that Mass Ply is part of this solution. When you choose MPP, you’re choosing a product made from smaller-diameter, sustainably harvested logs. You’re choosing a locally manufactured material that’s both durable and adaptable. And most importantly, you’re choosing one of the most reliable fire-resistant materials available for residential and commercial construction.
Ready to Build Back Stronger?
For homeowners in fire-prone areas, MPP offers an opportunity to build homes that are ready for the future—not just to withstand the next fire, but to stand tall for generations.
If you’re considering rebuilding or looking for fire-hardened construction solutions, reach out. We’re here to help.
Contact us at buympp@frereswood.com to learn more about how Mass Ply Panels can support your project.
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