On the afternoon of July 2, 2009 a wildfire started near our house in the dry basin of the San Joaquin River at the northern edge of Fresno County. Our home sits on a bluff about 50 feet above the river bottom.

The fire quickly spread up the vegetation on the bluff destroying everything in its path. It ignited the wood beams supporting our Trex deck. The fire fighters arrived within two minutes of the 911 call.

The flames were lapping around the outer edge of the deck and 40 feet into the air according to neighbors who were present. The firemen had to saw through the charred, but non-burning Trex to put out the fire burning beneath the deck. But other than some heat damage to the windows and the eaves, no serious damage occured to the house itself.

In contrast, the similarly situated house next door with an all redwood deck was totally destroyed when the firemen arrived. I am convinced that trex saved our house, and the firement I spoke to agree.

Richard