Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings and Fire Safety in California
March 3, 2025 Commercial Construction, Pre-engineered Metal BuildingsThis guide explores everything you need to know about pre-engineered buildings and fire safety in California.
Why Fire Safety is Critical for Commercial Buildings
Wildfires and structural fires can be devastating for businesses. In 2022 alone, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recorded over 129,500 nonresidential fires across the Nation, resulting in over $3.7 billion in property damage.1
With a 27% increase in nonresidential fires over the last 10 years, fire safety for commercial buildings has never been more critical. Fortunately, implementing the right safety measures can help safeguard your business, employees, and bottom line.
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMBs) and Fire Safety
Whether you’re constructing a new facility or expanding an existing one, choosing pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) is one of the most effective ways to improve fire resistance. These robust structures are typically made from noncombustible materials like steel, so they can withstand high temperatures without igniting. This durability makes PEMBs a smart investment for long-term fire safety.
Are Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings Fire Resistant?
While no structure can be entirely fireproof, pre-engineered metal buildings are highly fire resistant. PEMBs are built with fire-resistant materials like steel, which is noncombustible. This means it won’t catch fire or contribute to fire spread, which in turn may slow fire progression and provide more time for evacuation.
Fire Resistance Benefits of PEMBs in California
California is known for its frequent and often devastating wildfires. While fire safety should always be a consideration for any commercial construction project, it should be an especially high priority in fire-prone areas.
PEMBs offer several advantages for businesses in high-risk areas that help minimize fire damage and improve overall safety:
1. Noncombustible Materials Reduce Fire Spread
Since PEMBs are often made from non-combustible materials, they do not ignite or fuel wildfire growth. This makes them highly resistant to embers and radiant heat, which are two major causes of wildfire-related structure fires.
These metal structures can even function as a fire break by not providing fuel for the fire to spread rapidly to other areas of a commercial property.
2. Enhanced Structural Integrity in High Heat
Metal retains its strength for much longer than wood when exposed to extreme temperatures. In the event of a fire, this can slow or reduce the risk of structural collapse and potentially help emergency responders contain the fire more effectively.
3. Fire-Resistant Construction for Any Industry
Pre-engineered metal buildings are used in almost every industry, from manufacturing and retail to agriculture and so much more. This versatility means they can be customized to fit nearly any commercial need.
If they can be adopted in so many different fields, why not select the most fire-resistant option for your project?
4. PEMBs Make It Easier to Meet Fire Safety Regulations
Commercial buildings must follow strict fire safety regulations. These codes often require fire-resistant materials, fire suppression systems, clear evacuation routes, and many other safety measures.
PEMBs make compliance easier because they are highly customizable, so you can seamlessly integrate fire safety features into your building’s design. With their modular construction, PEMBs offer the flexibility to configure layouts that enhance fire safety, efficiency, and code compliance.
California’s Pre-Engineered Metal Building Construction Experts
Fire safety is an essential consideration for any commercial construction project in California and beyond. With their noncombustible materials and customizable design, pre-engineered metal buildings offer a fire-resistant solution for any of your construction needs.
At FDC, we have years of experience designing and constructing safe, durable, and efficient commercial buildings using PEMBs. Whether you’re building a commercial kitchen or a winery, our suite of construction services can bring your vision to life.
Ready to see how PEMBs can benefit your next commercial construction project? Contact us online today or call (707) 523-1722 to get in touch.
References
- Nonresidential fire estimate summaries (2013-2022). (n.d.). U.S. Fire Administration. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/nonresidential-fires/