The arrival of hot summer weather means fire season is approaching. Making your home fire-hardened is essential as wildfires threaten more areas in the United States and Canada than ever before. If you live in a wildfire-prone area, taking steps to prepare your home ahead of time can help it survive a blaze.
We recommend that homeowners pay attention to four areas — structures, spacing, selection, and sprucing — when working to fireproof their homes.
Structures
How a home or building is designed and constructed is the most important factor in fire resiliency. Homes that have been fire-hardened eliminate or limit readily combustible exterior materials such as wood and oil- and tar-based products. Instead, these homes are made of fire-resistant materials such as concrete, stone, and metal.
Your home’s roof is the single most vulnerable area for ignition in a wildfire. For this reason, upgrading to a metal roof with a Class A fire resistance rating is essential.
Some communities may offer resources for homeowners looking to replace their roofs. For example, a local ordinance in Big Bear Lake, CA, declared that wood shake roofs were a severe fire hazard, and the city offered tax incentives to help homeowners install new metal roofs.
Other home upgrades you should consider include fire-resistant siding, interior sprinklers, decks and patios made of non-flammable materials, and heat-resistant windows. You should also seal any gaps around exterior walls, roofs, doors, and windows and cover chimney and stove pipe outlets with noncombustible screens.Â
Spacing
Proper spacing of plants, trees, and structures is another key component of wildfire risk mitigation for homes, as it eliminates potential fuel sources. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the home ignition zone is an area surrounding your house that can be dangerous in the event of a wildfire. The home ignition zone is divided into three areas:
- The immediate zone, which includes your home and the five feet surrounding it
- The intermediate zone, which includes space between five feet and 30 feet from your house
- The extended zone, which includes space between 30 and 200 feet away from your house
You must take special care, especially in the immediate zone, to eliminate any highly flammable materials from your home’s landscaping. Be sure that any plants in this zone are well-watered. You should consider alternatives to wood or bark-based mulch, such as very fine compost or inorganic material like gravel and rocks, as they’re more fire resistant. Keeping your grass closely mowed and pruning low-hanging tree branches is also essential.
In general, you want to clear away any brush and debris within five feet of your home. It’s also best to thin trees and shrubs within 30 to 200 feet of your home. Keep in mind that your local government may have additional ordinances regarding the spacing and maintenance of vegetation.
Taking the precautions outlined above helps create a defensible perimeter around your home. It also gives firefighters room to operate if they must go onto your property to defend it from a fire.
Selection
In our experience, choosing appropriate plants for your garden and landscaping can increase wildfire resistance. Keep in mind that all plants will burn, so appropriate placement and maintenance are also essential.
In general, it’s best to grow native species adapted to your climate zone. Avoid highly flammable or invasive plants and plants that retain dead leaves or create resin, oil, or woody debris. Instead, gather information on which plants are fire-resistant in your area and use these selections in plantings.
Sprucing
Sprucing is the process of keeping your property properly maintained and clear of all debris. Having a clean and clear landscape is imperative for wildfire defense. You must keep all vegetation trimmed and water it appropriately, especially during fire season.
In our experience, making the following chores a habit will help keep your home fire safe and well-maintained. You should:
- Eliminate brush piles contacting structures
- Frequently clear out dead vegetation
- Keep all vegetation trimmed and well-watered
- Keep gutters, decks, and roofs clear of debris
- Prune trees so branches are away from buildings
- Rake up leaves, needles, twigs, and branches
- Remove weeds before they seed
Finally, structures like roofs, gutters, decks, beds, and pathways near the home should be cleaned and free of debris and dry organic matter, especially in late summer and early fall. Ongoing landscape upkeep eliminates fuel sources for wildfires while creating defensible space around your home and allowing emergency access if a fire occurs.
So, Is Preparing Your Home for Wildfire Season Worth It?
Absolutely. With wildfires growing more frequent and intense in North America, a firewise home is important even outside high-risk areas. Simple precautions like fire-resistant roofing and siding, clearing vegetation, and routine landscape care can dramatically improve your home’s resilience and improve its chances of surviving a wildfire largely intact.
Preparing in advance also provides peace of mind knowing you’ve done everything possible to protect your property, allowing you and your family to rest easier during fire season. So protect your largest investment and create defensible space with fire-resistant structures, smart spacing, appropriate plant selection, and ongoing maintenance.
FAQs About Wildfire Home Protection
What is the most important thing I can do to protect my home from wildfires?
The best thing you can do is to install a fire-resistant roof made of metal, tile, and asphalt or composite shingles. Avoid wood shakes and shingles.
Should I keep vegetation far from my home?
It’s best to maintain at least 30 feet between your home and surrounding vegetation. Plants closer to your home should be trimmed and kept well-watered.
What type of siding offers the best wildfire protection?
Non-combustible materials like brick, cement, plaster, and stucco provide the best protection against fire. Avoid wood, vinyl, and other flammable sidings.
How often should I clear my roof and gutters of debris?
In our experience, you should clear your gutters and roof of debris frequently — at least monthly during fire season.
Should I use gravel or rocks instead of mulch near my home?
Yes. Inorganic ground cover is much more fire-resistant than wood chips, bark, and other organic mulch.
Should I keep my lawn closely mowed during fire season?
Yes, we advise that grass is mowed to four inches or less to remove potential fire fuel.
How often should I water vegetation near my house?
It’s best to frequently water plants near your house, especially in hot and dry conditions. Well-hydrated plants are less likely to ignite.
What should I look for when choosing fire-resistant plants?
You want to select low-growing native species with high water content. It’s best to avoid resinous, oily plants or those that accumulate dry, woody debris.
Can wildfire-resistant features like metal roofing and stucco siding increase my home’s value?
Yes. Firewise upgrades can boost property value and lower insurance rates in high-risk areas, in addition to providing peace of mind.
