Mark your calendars! – EDUCATION SUMMIT 2026 returns on November 4-5, 2026! Don’t miss out on BC’s premier event for the construction industry. Check out the Summit page for details!
As wildfires grow in frequency and severity across North America, building professionals face increasing pressure to design structures that are more likely to survive these extreme events— especially in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones. Windows are among the most vulnerable elements in the building envelope during a wildfire, often acting as failure points for heat, flame, and ember intrusion.
This course provides a focused exploration of strategies to enhance window wildfire resistance in fireprone environments. Attendees will be introduced to key performance considerations for window assemblies, covering fire exposure mechanisms, material behavior, and construction details that affect survival in WUI conditions. The session will include an in-depth review of California’s State Fire Marshal (SFM) Standard Test Method 12-7A-2, which governs exterior window performance in wildfire zones. In parallel, participants will explore emerging guidance from Canadian authorities, such as the National Guide for Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fires and FireSmart Canada. Practical insights will be delivered through concept review, test data, and design strategies, equipping architects, engineers, and builders with the tools to select window systems that help resist structure ignition while maintaining compliance and performance.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
This course supports health, safety, and welfare by addressing how window assemblies can mitigate wildfire damage in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones. It equips design professionals with knowledge of fire exposure risks, material performance, and code requirements (e.g., California SFM 12-7A-2, FireSmart Canada), enabling safer, code-compliant buildings. The content helps protect occupants and property through improved window design and detailing in wildfire-prone environments.
PRESENTED BY: Michael Bousfield & Chris Guelpa | CASCADIA WINDOWS & DOORS
*This online recording was recorded from a live webinar held in May 2026. Students who have taken the webinar for CPD are not eligible to receive CPD points for the online recording.
All online courses require successful completion of the following components:
All course materials are contained directly within the online course modules.