According to the National Interagency Fire Center, as of June 2026, more than 34,427 fires have burned almost 2.8 million acres nationwide, exceeding the 10-year average for both fires and acres burned to date.
The upward trend in wildfire events and intensity is a significant concern for homeowners, businesses, and insurance companies. These natural disasters threaten human life and, like a wrecking ball, leave a trail of billions of dollars in property damage. But contractors can deliver peace of mind that a project will withstand the destructive forces of wildfires by selecting materials and building systems that have proven to be fire-resistant.
While there are many ways to improve a property’s wildfire resistance, installing a metal roof is an effective strategy to create a more resilient structure, especially when the system has been tested and certified with a Class A fire rating.
When people think about wildfires, they often imagine walls of flames. However, flying embers are one of the biggest threats to homes during a wildfire event. Embers can travel long distances ahead of the fire itself, landing on the roof and other vulnerable sections of a structure.
This is one reason why roofing materials are evaluated for fire resistance. Roofing systems that achieve a Class A fire rating (the highest rating available under UL 790 and ASTM E108 testing standards) are designed to resist severe fire exposure, limit flame spread, and help reduce the likelihood that the roof becomes a fuel source.
Many metal roofing systems can be installed as part of a Class A-rated roof assembly, making them a critical component of a fire mitigation strategy.
Metal is, by nature, a noncombustible material. Unlike combustible roofing materials, metal panels do not contribute additional fuel when exposed to fire. Many metal roofing systems also utilize interlocking panels that help create a protective barrier against ember intrusion.
Beyond fire resistance, metal roofing systems are engineered to withstand other severe weather conditions, including high winds, relentless rain, heavy snow, and more. For homeowners, this means a single roofing investment can provide overhead protection from multiple environmental threats.
In addition to the protection they offer, metal roofing panels are also available in a range of profiles, colors, and attachment styles. This allows contractors to create resilient homes without compromising the existing aesthetic or desired project vision. Incorporating metal roofing is more than a practical upgrade in wildfire-prone regions.
The Eldridge family home in Boulder, Colorado, provides a powerful example of how metal roofing can perform under extreme conditions. Fueled by a dry season and 100-mph winds that fanned its flames and intensified the heat, the fire was nearly impossible to contain. As the fire crept through the Eldridge’s neighborhood, it caused a large propane tank near the family’s home to explode, showering the roof and surrounding area with flames, ash, and destructive shrapnel. Despite the destructive nature of the fire and the propane tank explosion, the metal roof, paired with the home’s noncombustible metal and stone siding, resisted damage, and the Eldridge home remained standing.
For homeowners concerned about wildfire risks, the conversation you have with them should extend beyond aesthetics and curb appeal. Roofing materials can play an important role in a home’s overall resilience strategy. By explaining the value of Class A-rated roof assemblies and the fire-resistant advantages of metal roofing, contractors can help customers make more informed decisions to protect their homes, families, and investments for the long term.
When a complete fire-resistant building envelope is desired, Drexel Metals offers a full line of metal wall panel systems along with Defend-R CI Class A fire-rated wall insulation. Pairing our Board and Batten wall panel with any of our five Timber Series finishes allows homeowners to capture the timeless warmth of wood while benefiting from the durability and fire-resistant performance of metal.
Work in a state where wildfires are a constant threat? Contact your local Drexel Metals representative today to learn more about how fire-smart metal roofing from Drexel Metals can support your next project and help grow your business.
