Rebuilding using the latest net-zero, carbon neutral techniques and creating a fire-resistant town would require careful planning and design, as well as the use of appropriate materials and technologies. Here are some possible steps and suggestions for achieving this goal.

Rebuilding a town that has been destroyed by a wildfire while making it net-zero, sustainable, and resilient to future wildfires requires a comprehensive approach that combines various technologies, urban planning strategies, and community engagement.

Disaster Preparedness:

Bury power lines and electrical equipment that could be a source of ignition in high wind conditions.

Discussion is ongoing in Austrailia regarding use of fire bunkers as a last resort. Evacuation can be deadly in a fast moving fire intense heat.

Pressure mounts on states to support bushfire bunkers in the wake of deadly fire season – ABC News

Australians’ call fires which are intense and fast enough to prevent evacuation “burn overs”. These type of fires are becoming more frequent, leading to loss of life-no time to evacuate. The State of Victoria has created an accreditation program for Certified prefab bunkers to ensure they are built well enough to save lives in burn over fires, there are many stories of badly built fire shelters where people perished.  · In Victoria, private bushfire shelters must be accredited by the Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC), approved for use by the Building Appeals Board, or certified by a registered fire safety engineer. The accreditation process involves detailed assessment of every element of a bushfire shelter by a panel of experts. These need to be made of materials that won’t deteriorate in a burnover and create toxic chemicals, and also are  well sealed completely airtight to prevent smoke and heat.  Evacuation is the best option if time allows.  Do it yourself fire shelters are not safe. Accredited bunkers may not save lives in a long duration fire. Such shelters, however, should not be considered a substitute for creating a bushfire plan and leaving early.

Wildfire Safety Bunkers I Safety Bunkers

Bushfire bunkers promise safety but bring warnings – YouTube

Push to make it easier to install bushfire bunkers | 7.30 – YouTube

VBA_Accreditation_IBS_Bushfire_Shelter.pdf (ibsystems.net.au)

• Develop an early warning system that utilizes weather forecasts, fire behavior models, and real-time data to provide timely alerts to residents. Camera detection of wildfires is a technology available for wireless towers, automatic detection creates an early warning system, sirens and notifications to fire departments
• Conduct regular drills and exercises to ensure residents are prepared for evacuations and emergencies.
• Consider strategies like busing to move a lot of people very fast after alert sounds to prevent streets being clogged with cars. Hold regular drills
• Consider communication systems for First Responders and strategies to keep roads clear for evacuation

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how this could be achieved using the latest technologies and sustainable practices:

1. Site Selection and Planning:

• Plan the town layout to include defensible spaces, firebreaks, and safe evacuation routes.
• Prioritize green spaces, parks, and fire-resistant landscaping to act as buffers against wildfires.
• Start with a net-zero energy (NZE) and net-zero carbon (NZC) vision for the town, which means that the buildings and infrastructure would produce as much renewable energy as they consume, and offset or eliminate their carbon emissions from construction and operation. This would require setting performance targets and creating a decarbonization roadmap for the town

2. Resilient Infrastructure:

• Use fire-resistant building materials for construction, such as non-combustible siding, roofing, and windows.
• Incorporate ember-resistant design features to prevent embers from entering buildings.
• Build houses with raised foundations and incorporate non-flammable barriers around structures.
• Use insulated concrete forms (ICFs) for the foundation and structure of the buildings, as they are highly fire-resistant, durable, and energy-efficient. ICFs are polystyrene blocks that connect together like pieces of Lego to create the shell of the building, which is then filled with concrete. ICFs can withstand fire for up to four hours, and also provide excellent insulation and soundproofing¹.
• Choose fire-resistant roofing and siding materials, such as metal sheeting, fiber cement, or clay tiles. These materials have a high fire rating, which means they are non-combustible or slow-burning, and can prevent embers from igniting the roof or walls. Metal sheeting is especially resilient to environmental hazards, such as rain, wind, hail, and sleet².
• Protect the windows and doors from fire by using metal or fiber-cement frames, double- or triple-glazed glass, and fire-rated shutters or screens. Windows and doors are vulnerable points for fire entry, as they can break or melt under high temperatures. By using these measures, you can reduce the heat transfer and prevent flames from spreading inside the building¹.
• Use low-carbon, reused, or recycled materials for the interior and exterior finishes of the buildings, such as wood, gypsum, cast iron, bricks, or cement. These materials have a low embodied carbon, which means they have a low environmental impact from their production, transportation, and disposal. They also have varying degrees of fire resistance, depending on their type and treatment³

3. Smart Building Technologies:

• Implement smart home technologies that detect and respond to wildfires, such as fire sensors, automated sprinkler systems, and remote monitoring.
• Use energy-efficient appliances and systems to minimize the town’s carbon footprint.
• Implement energy efficiency measures to reduce the energy demand of the buildings and infrastructure, such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, high-performance insulation, air sealing, ventilation systems, or energy recovery devices. These measures can improve the indoor comfort and air quality of the buildings, while also saving money on energy bills and maintenance costs⁵.
• Use digitalization technologies to monitor and optimize the energy performance of the buildings and infrastructure, such as smart meters, sensors, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), or blockchain. These technologies can collect and process real-time data on energy consumption, generation, storage, distribution, and pricing. They can also provide feedback and recommendations to improve efficiency and reliability⁵.

4. Renewable Energy Sources:

• Integrate renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines to power the town.
• Establish microgrids to ensure energy resilience during emergencies.

5. Energy-Efficient Buildings:

• Design buildings with high energy efficiency using insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and energy-efficient windows.
• Encourage the use of passive design principles to reduce the need for heating and cooling.
• Incorporate renewable energy sources into the buildings and infrastructure, such as solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, or biomass boilers. These sources can generate clean electricity and heat for the town, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and lowering its carbon footprint. They can also provide backup power in case of emergencies or grid outages⁴.
• Implement energy efficiency measures to reduce the energy demand of the buildings and infrastructure, such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, high-performance insulation, air sealing, ventilation systems, or energy recovery devices. These measures can improve the indoor comfort and air quality of the buildings, while also saving money on energy bills and maintenance costs⁵.
• Use digitalization technologies to monitor and optimize the energy performance of the buildings and infrastructure, such as smart meters, sensors, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), or blockchain. These technologies can collect and process real-time data on energy consumption, generation, storage, distribution, and pricing. They can also provide feedback and recommendations to improve efficiency and reliability⁵.
• Consider the layout and orientation of the buildings and infrastructure to maximize natural light and ventilation, minimize heat gain or loss, and enhance passive solar design. This can involve placing windows facing south or north (depending on the hemisphere), using overhangs or shades to block unwanted sun rays, creating cross-ventilation through openings or fans¹, or using landscaping features such as trees or plants to provide shade or cooling⁶.

6. Sustainable Water Management:

• Implement rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store water for firefighting and non-potable uses.
• Promote water-efficient landscaping and encourage the use of drought-resistant plants.

7. Community Education and Engagement:

• Provide education to residents about wildfire safety, evacuation plans, and the importance of maintaining defensible spaces.
• Encourage community involvement in planning and decision-making to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.

8. Sustainable Transportation:

• Design pedestrian-friendly streets and bike lanes to reduce reliance on cars.
• Implement electric vehicle charging infrastructure and promote electric vehicle adoption.

9. Green Infrastructure:

• Incorporate green roofs and walls to improve insulation, air quality, and aesthetics.
• Establish urban forests and native vegetation to create natural fire breaks and habitats for wildlife.
• Don’t forget about backyards and landscaping when designing a fire-resistant town. You can create defensible spaces around your buildings by clearing away flammable vegetation or debris within 30 feet of your home (zone 1), thinning out trees and shrubs within 100 feet of your home (zone 2), and maintaining a green belt of irrigated plants within 200 feet of your home (zone 3). You can also use fire-resistant plants such as succulents¹, rock mulch instead of wood chips², or drip irrigation systems instead of sprinklers⁶.

11. Collaboration with Experts:

• Collaborate with wildfire experts, urban planners, architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants to ensure the best practices are applied.

12. Policy and Regulation:

• Enforce building codes and land-use regulations that prioritize fire-resistant construction and sustainable practices.
• Incentivize developers and residents to adopt sustainable technologies through tax breaks, grants, or other incentives.

13. Long-Term Monitoring and Adaptation:

• Continuously monitor the town’s infrastructure, wildfire risks, and sustainability goals to adapt and improve over time.

Rebuilding a town to be net-zero, sustainable, and resilient to wildfires requires a multi-disciplinary approach that involves technology, policy, and community engagement. It’s essential to create a holistic plan that not only addresses immediate concerns but also considers the long-term well-being and safety of the community.

These are some of the possible ways to rebuild using the latest net-zero carbon neutral techniques and creating a fire-resistant town.

Orla Huq