People in Colorado are rebuilding homes destroyed by fire using adobe bricks

After losing her home to a wildfire in 2021, a Colorado woman is rebuilding with fireproof earth blocks, joining a growing number of people in the region who want to better protect their homes.

Nick Aspinwall reports for BBC.

In summary:

• Melanie Glover’s home was destroyed in a wildfire in 2021, prompting her to rebuild it using earth blocks, a fire-resistant material.
• Their design was inspired by traditional adobe houses in the American Southwest, which also reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
• Research shows that earth blocks not only resist fire but can also strengthen when exposed to extreme heat.

Key quote:

“I told myself, dirt doesn’t burn. We should build a house out of earth.

— Melanie Glover, homeowner

Why this is important:

As climate change leads to ever-increasing wildfires, alternative building materials such as clay blocks offer a safer and more sustainable option. If widely deployed, these structures could reduce fire risk and reduce carbon emissions.