After several months and exhaustive testing administered by an approved California State independent lab, Cherry Forest Products and the companies Thermally Modified Ash achieved listing status under the wood decking and siding categories approved to be listed on the BML (Building Materials Listing) section under direction of the California State Fire Marshal’ office. The department fire prevention program (CAL FIRE) consists of multiple activities including fire fuel reduction activities that lessen the risk of wildfire to communities. 

The office of the State Fire Marshal provides support through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection with a variety of fire safety responsibilities including statewide direction for fire prevention within wild land areas (WUI) by providing regulation within the building standards; and by providing training and education in fire protection methods and responsibilities.

Wildland Urban Interface or short form (WUI) was developed to identify land and communities at “high risk” of wildfires within transition lands between unoccupied land and human development. Approved listing’s of accepted building materials is strictly voluntary (except wood shakes and shingles) but there are some regulations that require building products such as wood decking and siding products to comply with specific standards. All products listed on the BML have been reviewed and verified their compliance in accordance to the 2007 California Building Code. 

“Thermally modified wood continues to advance as a viable and reliable building material utilizing domestic wood species. Having obtained WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) certification is just another step in our companies continuing effort to advance our thermally modified wood into the mainstream construction marketplace here in North America” said John Barnanski, President of Cherry Forest Products.