Fire-Resistant Steel Fencing Supplier (U.S. Nationwide)
Why a Fire Management Professional Chooses Steel Fencing (and You Should Too)
Recently, we were contacted by Mary Kwart, a retired wildland fire management professional, curious about DuraBond’s steel privacy fencing. What started as a conversation about fencing quickly turned into an inspiring discussion about Mary’s remarkable career and deep understanding of wildfire behavior – and why she believes fire‑resistant fencing is an essential part of home protection.
Mary’s hard‑driving nature helped her become one of the first female hotshot firefighters in the United States. Through a distinguished career in wildland fire management, she gained assignments and experience that made her a leading expert in fire mitigation and community preparedness.
“My personality is laid back, I’m not over‑aggressive, but I want to be the best at what I do,” she once reflected. “There was more satisfaction from doing things that are difficult rather than doing things that are easy.”
Now retired, Mary has completed the entire Pacific Crest Trail and other notable long‑distance treks. When she isn’t on the trail, she’s active in Ashland, Oregon, helping her community become more proactive and prepared for wildfire events – work that has only become more critical following destructive fires like the Almeda and South Obenchain incidents.
“Wood Fences Act as a Wick” - A Fire Professional’s Warning
When we asked Mary about the value of using steel fencing in wildfire‑prone areas, she didn’t mince words:
“Think about the showers of embers coming down from the sky,” she said.
“If they hit a wood fence, that’s an instant fire – wood fencing acts as a wick, taking fire onto your property and into your neighbor’s yard.”
This insight is backed by bushfire research indicating that non‑combustible steel fencing performs better under severe fire exposure and does not contribute additional fuel to a burning environment.
Traditional wood fencing materials can ignite rapidly in ember storms and radiant heat, making them a liability in defensible space zones. In contrast, fencing made from COLORBOND® steel – the type of metal used in DuraBond fencing systems – resists fire because it is non‑combustible and retains structural integrity under exposure conditions that would quickly destroy wood.
If you’re building in a wildfire‑prone area, understanding how materials perform in real fire conditions is critical – especially when it comes to your fence line.
A Broader Perspective on Fire‑Resilient Home Design
Mary is a strong believer in using non‑flammable materials wherever possible – not just on roofs or siding, but throughout the first few feet around a home where wildfire embers are most likely to cause ignition.
In fact, many wildfire safety guidelines now recommend creating a defensible space around homes that prioritizes:
✔ Fire‑resistant building materials
✔ Elimination of continuous combustible landscaping
✔ Non‑combustible fencing close to structures
This holistic approach reduces ignition risk and supports long‑term resilience.
Mary reached out to us about DuraBond’s steel privacy fencing because she wanted to strengthen her own home against wildland fire exposure. Before calling, she had already reviewed independent research on the performance of Colorbond® steel fencing – studies that show steel fencing offers greater protection against bushfire exposure than alternative materials because of its non‑combustibility and structural performance.
What made Mary particularly interested in DuraBond’s fencing wasn’t just aesthetic or longevity – it was fire science.
As Mary has learned through years of fire management experience – including serving as Alaska’s first female U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife fire management officer – the right materials can make a significant difference in whether embers ignite structures or dissipate harmlessly. Mary worked extensively with Fire Wise communities in Alaska, designing and implementing wildfire hazard reduction projects aimed at minimizing fuel and ignition sources around homes.
That experience shapes her belief that non‑flammable building materials significantly improve a property’s chances in a wildfire:
Why Wood Fences Fail in Wildfires
🔥 Ignite instantly from embers
🔥 Spread fire to structures
🔥 Act as a continuous fuel source
DuraBond’s Role in Wildfire Preparedness Conversations
Mary’s personal journey of preparing her property and championing fire education reflects a broader trend: more homeowners and contractors are seeking wildfire‑resilient building solutions.
That’s one reason DuraBond is now listed on wildfire safety resources such as the California Fire Safe Council’s Fire Safe Vendor List – a directory designed to help communities locate vendors offering fire‑resilient materials and services to support wildfire preparedness.
Being part of this directory means that homeowners, fire professionals, and local fire councils can more easily find fire‑resistant building solutions like DuraBond’s Colorbond steel fencing, connecting them with products that support safer building practices.
Steel Fencing Isn’t Just Safer — It’s Better for Long‑Term Peace of Mind
Beyond fire performance, Mary appreciates the other advantages of steel fencing made from genuine Colorbond® steel:
✔ Resists warping, rotting, termites, and rust – unlike wood
✔ Low‑maintenance – no painting, staining, or frequent repairs
✔ Modern architectural look that enhances property value
✔ Durability tested in harsh environments for decades
For Mary – and many other homeowners facing wildfire risk – this combination of resilience, low upkeep, and aesthetics makes steel fencing a clear choice.
If you’re building or upgrading a fence in a wildfire-prone area, your material choice matters more than ever.
DuraBond’s Colorbond® steel fencing is designed to:
Reduce ignition risk Meet modern fire safety expectations Deliver long-term durability with zero maintenance
Build Smarter. Build Fire-Resistant.
