Benefits of Masonry Recognized in California’s New Fire Resiliency

Over the last five years, eight of the largest wildfires in California’s history have burned 1.8 million hectares, destroyed over 8,500 structures, and led to countless deaths. BAC Local 3 California President Troy Garland was tired of watching the wildfires devastate so many communities throughout the state, tragically ending lives and destroying critical structures. So he decided to get involved in state politics to enact legislation and policies that recognize fire-resistant masonry materials’ ability to help protect public health and safety.

Before BAC and IMI got involved, very little was done to ensure that building materials met the standards necessary to withstand prolonged exposure to fire. Fire resiliency is particularly critical in areas of transition between wilderness and developed land. Within those regions, fire hazard severity zones can be classified as “moderate,” “high” or “very high.” These are the areas where Brother Garland knew that BAC could make a difference.

To support his efforts, Garland called on IMI Director of Industry Development and Technical Services Sunup Mathew. Mathew helped develop technical information and support for the case for building with noncombustible materials like masonry. Drawing on code requirements for buildings at risk of destruction from other natural disasters — like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes — IMI was able to show that buildings in wildfire-prone areas should be built with greater fire resilience. Building critical infrastructure like hospitals, schools, emergency services facilities, and government buildings with higher fire ratings is key, so communities can continue operating and serving residents even in the face of disaster, which is becoming more regular each year.

With the help of a lobbying firm and technical resources from IMI, BAC Local 3 California drafted text for a bill that was sponsored by Democratic California Assembly member Jim Wood. Wood represents an area of Northern California impacted by some of the state’s largest wildfires, and was a natural fit to sponsor the bill, known as AB 2322.

After concerted effort by BAC Local 3 California to garner support for the bill, and testimony before several committees in the California Assembly — who vetted the bill before sending it to the California House and Senate floors — the bill unanimously passed both floors and was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2022.

“This new law will have a lasting impact to protect Californians and our communities from the effects of wildfires,” said Garland. “We will continue working with IMI to ensure decision makers recognize CMU and other masonry products are the best means to meet the fire ratings for compliance with the building code. Local 3 craftworkers are ready to construct essential buildings that serve our families to withstand the damage of wildfires and other disasters caused by climate change.”