Live "Learn & Burn" Event to Prove Straw Bale Construction's Superior Fire Resistance

Boise, Idaho - June 15, 2025 – What if everything you've been told about fire-safe building is
wrong? On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Idaho will witness its first public demonstration designed to
shatter decades of industry assumptions when EarthCraft Design Build teams up with the
Wildland Firefighter Foundation for an explosive "Learn & Burn" event.

Picture this: Three different wall types. Real fire. Professional firefighters. Thermal cameras
rolling. And results that will shock anyone who thinks straw burns faster than conventional
building materials.

"We're not just challenging myths—we're burning them to the ground, literally," says Jon Clark,
President of EarthCraft Design Build. "When people see a straw bale wall outperform what they
consider 'normal' construction, it changes everything they thought they knew about building
safely."

What You'll Witness
This isn't your typical educational event. Attendees will see:
Live fire testing that pits straw bale walls against conventional construction in head-to-head fire
resistance battles, complete with thermal imaging that reveals the shocking truth about which
materials protect better.

Real-time expert analysis reveals the gap between construction industry marketing and actual
fire performance as flames expose it. Wildland Fire Expert, Darron Williams, EarthCraft
Founder- Mark “Ron” Hixson, and the Integrated Design Lab at the University of Idaho will join
EC President, Jon Clark, for this one-of-a-kind event.

Interactive learning stations where you can touch, feel, and understand the materials that
could revolutionize how Idaho builds—if we're brave enough to challenge the status quo.
The event will take place from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM on July 12, 2025, at the Wildland Firefighter
Foundation facility, with professional fire safety oversight to ensure both dramatic results and
complete safety.

Why This Matters More Than Ever
Idaho faces increasing wildfire threats, skyrocketing construction costs, and a housing crisis.
Meanwhile, a building method that could address all three issues sits sidelined by outdated
fears and industry resistance.

Darron Williams, wildland fire professional, shared, “I’ve lived in a straw bale home for years and
labored on numerous wildland urban interface fires in my 34-year career. The irony is that straw
is susceptible to fire on its own. However, when the straw is packed and coated with mortar, it
becomes impervious to wildland fire. This allows a safer fire environment for any firefighter when
dealing with these monstrous urban interface fires.”

The demonstration isn't just about proving a point—it's about opening eyes to solutions that are
hiding in plain sight, as well as aligning with our community and the Boise Climate Action Road
Map to work towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Educational Impact
The event serves multiple educational purposes:
● Public Safety Education: Providing accurate information about fire-resistant building
materials
● Industry Professional Development: Offering continuing education for builders,
architects, and fire safety professionals
● Community Awareness: Demonstrating sustainable building solutions for local housing
needs
● Youth Education: Engaging young people in building science and fire safety concepts
Local fire departments, building officials, and safety inspectors are especially encouraged to
attend and witness the demonstration, as well as participate in post-event discussions about
building codes and natural construction methods.

About our Location Host
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation is dedicated to supporting the brave men and women
who risk their lives to protect our forests, homes, and communities. Their mission is to honor,
support, and assist wildland firefighters and their families through financial aid, physical and
emotional support, advocacy, and community.

Event Details
What: Learn & Burn Fire Demonstration
When: Saturday, July 12th, 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Wildland Firefighter Foundation, 2393 W Airport Way, Boise, ID 83705
Cost: Free admission

Registration: Required due to limited capacity

Who Should Attend: Homeowners, real estate professionals, lenders, insurance providers,
builders, contractors, fire safety professionals, educators, students, and community members
interested in sustainable construction, as well as students and children. Anyone with a curious
mind.

The event will adhere to all safety protocols established by local fire departments and will be
conducted under the supervision of professionals, with appropriate safety measures in place.
Media Opportunities

Media representatives are invited to attend and will have access to:
● Live footage of fire demonstrations
● Interviews with industry experts and fire safety professionals
● Before and after documentation of the tested materials
● Educational materials and fire test data
● Photo opportunities throughout the event

For media credentials and additional information, please contact Renee Dugas, Director of
Operations. (contact information above)

Registration is required and can be completed at LEARN & BURN EVENT
REGISTRATION/.

About EarthCraft Design Build
EarthCraft Design Build is a leading natural, veteran-owned design builder specializing in straw
bale construction, timber framing, and high-performance sustainable building methods. Founded
by Mark “Ron” Hixson on principles of environmental responsibility and superior craftsmanship,
the company serves residential and commercial clients throughout Idaho, Oregon, and beyond.
For more information, visit earthcraftconstruction.com