Protect your home

The construction materials used on the home (e.g., roof coverings, siding, and fencing) are made of non-combustible or fire-resistant materials.

• Concrete, fiber-cement panels or siding, stucco, masonry, metal, and fire-retardant-treated wood siding or panels are recommended for the exterior walls.
• The most fire-resistant roof coverings include asphalt fiberglass composition shingles, concrete, and flat/barrel-shaped tiles (Class A).
• Shutters should be fire-resistant.
• Multi-pane windows or tempered safety glass are good options compared to annealed, ceramic, and plastic.
• Metal window frames are recommended over wood.
• Exterior doors should be metal or solid wood with an adequate fire rating.
• Avoid using a wooden garage door, especially if it does not have a solid core.

Decks, porches, and fences are made of non-combustible or fire-resistant materials.

There is a spark arrestor in each chimney or stovepipe to prevent large embers from escaping (or entering).

Eaves, soffits, and vents are protected from wildfire.

There are no overhangs or minimal overhangs, as this can mitigate soffit fire risks and the potential for trapping embers and hot gasses.

There is fire-resistant and non-combustible landscaping and defensible space within 100 feet of the home.

• Immediate Zone (0-5 feet from the home)
• Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet from the home)
• Extended Zone (30-100 feet from the home)

Utility and equipment connections are underground.

• If utility and equipment connections aren’t underground, gaps and penetrations in exterior walls and roofs are sealed with fire-resistant materials.

The home has residential fire sprinklers.

• If so, ask your insurance professional to see if you qualify for a discount.

Installing a fire-resistive roof covering.

Replacing non-metal vent materials.

Covering attic vents, crawl space vents, vents in enclosures below decks, and chimneys with wire mesh.

Installing non-combustible (metal) leaf guards over gutters.

Upgrading to noncombustible siding.

Upgrading to residential fire sprinklers.

Ensuring fuel storage vessels are adequately distanced from the home.

Protecting eaves, overhangs, and soffits with fire-resistant materials.

Upgrading to heat- and flame-resistant windows.

Cleaning roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris, and pine needles.

Replacing or repairing any loose or missing shingles, or roof tiles.

Reducing embers that could pass through vents in the eaves by installing ⅛ inch metal mesh screening.

Cleaning debris from exterior attic vents and installing ⅛ inch metal mesh screening to reduce embers.

Covering the underside of decks and crawl spaces with non-combustible materials or metal mesh to prevent the accumulation of combustible debris and slow the entry of embers, especially if your home is elevated above grade.

Repairing or replacing damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows.

Moving any flammable material away from wall exteriors (e.g., mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles, etc.) and removing anything stored underneath decks or porches.

• Do not store propane grills, propane cylinders, or other flammable liquids next to your home.

Clearing vegetation from under large stationary propane tanks.

Creating fuel breaks with driveways, walkways/paths, patios, and decks.

Keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches.

Removing ladder fuels (vegetation under trees) so a surface fire cannot reach the crowns.

Pruning trees up to 6-10 feet from the ground.

• For shorter trees, don’t exceed ⅓ of the overall tree height.

Spacing trees with a minimum of 18 feet between crowns, increasing the distance with the percentage of slope.

Planning tree placement to ensure the mature canopy is no closer than 10 feet from the edge of the home.

Limiting trees and shrubs to small clusters of a few each to break up the continuity of the vegetation across the landscape.

Disposing of heavy accumulations of ground litter or debris.

Removing dead plant and tree materials.

Removing small conifers growing between mature trees.

Removing vegetation next to storage sheds or other outbuildings within this area.

• Trees 30 to 60 feet from the home should have at least 12 feet between canopy tops; trees 60 to 100 feet from the home should have at least 6 feet between the canopy tops.
• The distances listed for crown spacing are suggested based on NFPA 1144. However, the crown spacing needed to reduce crown fire potential could be significantly greater due to slope, the species of trees involved, and other site-specific conditions. Check with your local forestry professional to get advice on what is appropriate for your property.