From the hills of California to the forests of Oregon and Colorado, wildfires are steadily becoming a devastating annual threat. As fire behavior evolves, seasons are extending and intensifying, especially where homes and businesses meet wildland areas.
Known as the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), this is where neighborhoods and other human developments meet or mix with natural, undeveloped land. It’s a high-risk zone for wildfires, making it a key focus for fire prevention and protecting communities.
In response to these growing concerns, building codes and safety standards are evolving rapidly to keep up, with a steady focus on the fire-resistance of construction materials. Among the most critical fire testing solutions now required in these regions is ASTM E2768, an extended tunnel test designed to evaluate how materials hold up during long-duration fire exposure.
This standard is quickly becoming a key component in fire safety planning, which is why NGC Testing Services is at the forefront of helping manufacturers, builders, and developers stay ahead of the curve.
What Is ASTM E2768?
If you’re familiar with the ASTM E84 Steiner tunnel test, then think of ASTM E2768 as a 30-minute extended tunnel fire test that builds on that more familiar standard — with a few variations.
While ASTM E84 measures the flame spread of materials over a 10-minute exposure period, ASTM E2768 extends this to 30 minutes, which provides a more rigorous assessment of flame spread characteristics under prolonged fire exposure.
The test is especially valuable for evaluating combustible building products that are commonly used in exterior applications, such as:
- Dimensional lumber
- Engineered wood
- Plywood and OSB panels
- Rigid insulation boards
- Plastic and composite products
For manufacturers and builders, passing ASTM E2768 earns a Class A flame spread rating, which is often required to meet building codes, especially in WUI areas with high wildfire risk.
Why Extended Tunnel Testing Matters
In real-world fires, 10 minutes of flame exposure isn't necessarily realistic. Thanks to things such as wind-driven embers, dry conditions, and delayed firefighting response times, structures can be exposed to flames for extended periods. That’s one reason why 30-minute fire testing under ASTM E2768 has become such a critical benchmark.
As more municipalities and state agencies require materials to meet Class A flame spread ratings, ASTM E2768 offers a reliable method to verify performance under extreme fire conditions.
For areas like California, Colorado, and Oregon, it’s not just about passing a test — it’s about ensuring that siding, soffits, decks, and other structural components don’t become ignition sources during a wildfire.
How ASTM E2768 Applies to California Wildfire Codes
California has led the nation in implementing stricter building codes in fire-prone areas, including Chapter 7A of the California Building Code, which governs construction in WUI zones.
Materials used on the exterior of homes and commercial buildings, such as fascia, soffits, and eaves, must also demonstrate reduced combustibility and flame spread.
Although ASTM E2768 results are commonly used to verify compliance with these codes, builders, architects, and developers also rely on this test and other resources to help drive design and building decisions. This includes:
- Selecting materials that meet Class A flame spread performance
- Achieving a suitable overall performance verified by third-party entities
- Gathering performance insight to construct safer, more resilient structures in wildfire-prone areas
A great example of this is the use of fire-rated lumber for decks of fiber cement siding for exterior cladding. Extended tunnel testing helps confirm that these components won’t easily ignite or accelerate flame spread if exposed to embers or radiant heat.
Who Should Consider Extended Tunnel Testing?
If you’re working with materials that could be exposed to fire, especially in exterior applications, then ASTM E2768 may be a necessary step in your path to market. This testing is ideal for:
- Manufacturers developing new products for WUI areas
- Builders and contractors sourcing fire-safe building materials
- Architects and specifiers designing to meet California, Oregon, or Colorado fire codes
- Code consultants and engineers seeking verified performance data
- Companies seeking third-party evaluations or listings
Don’t let fire code requirements become a barrier. Partnering with an expert fire testing lab like NGC Testing Services ensures you get clear data and support from start to finish.
NGC Testing Services’ Role in Fire Testing
At NGC Testing Services, we offer comprehensive fire testing solutions for building products, including ASTM E2768 testing. Our accredited fire testing lab features the equipment and expertise needed to run extended tunnel tests accurately and efficiently.
Why Partner With NGC Testing Services?
- Fast testing turnaround: We understand that your project timelines are tight, and we prioritize efficient testing.
- Work with an experienced team: We bring strong experience in building products testing and regulatory standards.
- Support with code compliance: We help interpret results and align documentation with all necessary building code requirements.
- Customized testing programs: Whether you're launching a new product or recertifying an existing one, we tailor our testing plans to meet your needs.
As one of the most trusted fire testing laboratories in the country, NGC Testing Services makes it easy to meet evolving fire codes with confidence.
What’s Next: Preparing for the Next Fire Season
As fire seasons grow longer and more intense, ASTM E2768 is becoming a cornerstone of fire-resistance testing in today’s construction world. It delivers essential insights into how materials perform under extended fire exposure, especially in vulnerable areas like California’s WUI zones.
Now is the time to act. Waiting until late summer or fall to conduct fire tests can leave you scrambling to meet deadlines or miss critical construction windows. Be proactive: Schedule your ASTM E2768 testing now, and ensure your products are ready for the next building cycle.
NGC Testing Services is always here to help. With flexible scheduling, expert guidance, and industry-leading turnaround times, we’ll help you stay compliant and competitive.
By partnering with a trusted fire testing lab like NGC Testing Services, you’re not only meeting code. You’re helping build safer, more resilient communities.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule ASTM E2768 fire testing.
