David Hare-Scott wrote:
songbird wrote:
....
do people have underground fire cellars?
it seems that it would be hard to know where
to head for if you are surrounded by fast
moving fires.


I haven't heard of one being purpose built. I have one by accident as my
house is built on a suspended concrete slab over brick foundations.




The point about knowing what to do in a fast moving situation is important.
We are encouraged to identify escape routes, to plan ahead, prepare the
ground and house and to make your decisions in advance not in a panic at the
end. You want to avoid making a last minute choice to flee and getting
burned in your car or staying to defend the indefensible. OTOH some houses
are saved by defenders who put out small fires which would otherwise take
hold. Not a fun choice.

that all makes sense.

and yes, not fun. i'm sure a lot can be
helped by designing structures with metal,
brick, concrete, etc. and perhaps even
sprinkler systems on backup power supplies
to keep the house and surrounding areas
wet during the fire storms. still i'd sure
not want to be there. smoke alone is tough
on my lungs. with the added heat i'd be in
rough shape.


songbird