What are the fire risks associated with concrete sculptures in wildfire-prone areas?

While often perceived as inherently fireproof, concrete sculptures in wildfire-prone areas harbor surprising risks that can lead to structural failure and increased danger. The primary hazard is spalling, where intense heat causes moisture trapped within the concrete to rapidly turn to steam. This built-up pressure can explosively fracture the material, launching sharp debris and compromising the sculpture's integrity. Furthermore, concrete's low thermal conductivity means it absorbs and radiates significant heat, potentially igniting nearby combustible vegetation or structures long after the main fire front has passed. The rebar within reinforced concrete expands at a different rate than the surrounding material under extreme heat, creating internal stresses that cause cracking and collapse. These sculptures can also act as thermal masses, staying hot for extended periods and hindering firefighting efforts. To mitigate these risks, property owners should prioritize placing sculptures away from structures and flammable vegetation, consider using non-combustible hardscaping like gravel moats, and select designs with minimal internal cavities that can trap embers. Regular maintenance to remove dry plants and debris is also crucial. Understanding that no material is entirely fire-immune is the first step towards creating a truly resilient and fire-wise landscape.