When retrofitting, renovating or remodeling, contractors should consider several factors to ensure a building is safe for its occupants. Renovations present an excellent opportunity to address risks that may not have been addressed within the original building, or for the building’s current usage and needs. 

For example, wildfires are on the rise globally, reaching crisis proportions in locations previously considered lower risk due to increased severe weather events. New advancements in technology, such as lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems are also increasing fire risks in the built environment.  

Fire resistance and resilience require an evolving approach. Modern building codes are designed to evolve alongside new technology and the needs of the built environment. Contractors should stay informed and poised to collaborate with other key stakeholders to create the most resilient structures possible, including adopting the latest building codes. 

Rising Risks from natural disasters

Natural disasters such as wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity. According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, between 2013 and 2022, the United States experienced an average of 61,410 wildfires each year, impacting roughly 7.2 million acres annually. In 2022 alone, wildfires destroyed more than 2,700 structures in the United States, including homes and businesses (https://bit.ly/4czUEqP).  

By comparison, more than 2,200 buildings were either damaged or destroyed by the 2023 Maui wildfires and more than 18,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed during the 2025 Southern California wildfires. 

Communities at particular risk are often located in or near the wildland-urban interface (WUI), which refers to the line, area or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. Changing climate conditions such as long-duration dryness increase the number and intensity of fires in the WUI. 

The WUI continues to grow by approximately 2 million acres per year, and due to this increased area, has expanded to include spaces previously thought to be lower risk such as new housing and infrastructure developments and areas experiencing severe drought. For example, of the properties affected by the fires in Eaton, California in 2024, only about 21% were within Cal Fire’s “very high” fire hazard severity zones.  

However, an analysis of the Los Angeles Times identified 94% of those properties as having either “severe” or “extreme” wildfire risk (https://bit.ly/3P3ytjX). Many communities not historically prone to wildfires are often unprepared for wildfire events, which can cause catastrophic damage to communities. 

Lithium-ion battery fires 

Fires from lithium-ion batteries are also occurring more frequently in several states and major cities across the country. New York City alone reported over 277 fires and six fatalities in 2024 from lithium-ion related fires.  

These rechargeable batteries can be found in several technologies, including battery energy storage systems (ESS), e-bikes, e-scooters, and small consumer electronics such as phones and e-cigarettes.  

Improper installation, handling, storage and disposal of devices containing lithium-ion batteries or ESS present fire risk,  posing a higher risk of fire than ever before in several building types, including commercial and residential settings. These fire risks can also be exacerbated by natural disasters, which can damage lithium-ion batteries or leave compromised units behind as lingering hazards depending on their use and state of charge. 

Building codes as essential safeguards 

Existing buildings may not be equipped to handle current fire risks and hazards, which is why a retrofit or remodel presents an opportunity to mitigate these potential hazards.  

Adopting the latest building codes and standards, along with modern construction practices and materials like using ember‑resistant vents, non‑combustible materials and incorporating defensible space, can increase resilience in buildings that may not have otherwise been adequately prepared. The International Codes account for important considerations for the latest technology and lessons learned from previous natural disasters. 

ICC brings together professionals from across the building pipeline including contractors, engineers, designers, inspectors, code officials, builders and other stakeholders to develop and create model building codes rooted in the latest building science to address the needs of today. This includes the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, which establishes requirements for land use and the built environment within designated WUI areas using prescriptive and performance provisions.  

ICC has also incorporated evolving battery chemistries and technologies within the provisions of the International Fire Code, International Building Code and International Residential Code.  

Collaborative efforts over recent code cycles via the ICC Code Action Committees and various Code Development Committees established and enhanced a minimum level of battery safety across the built environment, helping to protect building occupants and first responders while also supporting the safe integration of advanced energy technologies. 

Adopting the latest code provisions can also reap cost savings. In its 2019 Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves Report, the National Institute of Building Science found that adopting and implementing ICC’s then 2015 IWUIC saved as much as $6 for every $1 invested and that retrofitting structures to the IWUIC could provide as much as $8 in mitigation benefits for each $1 invested (https://bit.ly/49yu2V9). 

When working on a retrofit, renovation or remodel project, contractors should consider collaborating with local building and fire departments to ensure that the latest codes and standards are incorporated and applied as intended during the design and construction process. 

Fire safety is critical for the built environment as we move forward into a changing world with increased natural and technological demands. Mitigation and preparedness are shared responsibilities that are integral to community safety. Adopting the latest building codes protects people and property and can help communities to recover faster in the event of a disaster.  

Contractors play a key role in ensuring this safety net remains intact through safe, compliant construction practices and can enhance resilience by ensuring a retrofit, remodel or renovation is built to withstand a fire.  

For resources in fire mitigation and disaster resilience, please visit the ICC’s Building Safety Month Week 3 Landing Page (https://bit.ly/4vW4WsK) and the Fire & Disaster Mitigation Landing Page (bit.ly/4n2zyFe).  

Karl Fippinger, CEM, PMP, is vice president of fire and disaster mitigation at the International Code Council.