In the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire that swept through the San Gabriel Mountains last January, the community of Altadena, California, is finding hope and stability once again. The fire left thousands of structures damaged or destroyed, displacing numerous families who lost not just their houses, but the cherished memories and moments that made them homes.
Community Efforts in Rebuilding
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity (SGV Habitat), in partnership with James Hardie Building Products Inc., has been at the forefront of helping these families rebuild. With a focus on resilience, the first 25 homes in Altadena have been reconstructed using James Hardie’s durable, fire-resistant, and noncombustible materials.
“We’ve said from the start that this is not just about rebuilding homes. It’s about restoring hope, stability, and a future,” expressed Bryan Wong, CEO of SGV Habitat. The organization has a long-standing history of aiding communities in disaster recovery, and their efforts in Altadena are a testament to their commitment.
Innovative Building Materials
James Hardie has committed to a multiyear effort, donating its best-in-class fire-resistant products, including noncombustible Hardie® fiber cement siding and TimberTech® decking. Amanda Cimaglia, Vice President of Global Sustainability at James Hardie, emphasized the importance of resilient building materials in protecting homes against extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent.
The homes are designed based on the Foothill Catalog, a preapproved design specifically developed for post-wildfire rebuilding. This approach not only supports faster construction but also enhances the resilience of the homes, ensuring they are better prepared for future threats.
“A home is more than a structure. It’s a place of refuge, stability, and belonging,” Cimaglia noted, highlighting the role of a home’s exterior as the first line of defense against external fires.
For those interested in learning more about the fire-resistant products used in these efforts, further information is available at JamesHardie.com/Fire.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
