Wildfire Resistant Home

The Home

• Choose a fire resistant roof (Class A or B is recommended).
• Remove combustible debris from the roof, decks and porches.
• Clean out rain gutters and consider replacing vinyl gutters with non-combustible gutters.
• Install screens on vents made of corrosion-resistant wire mesh with a maximum 1/8" grid. This prevents embers from entering the attic and underfloor areas.
• Choose non-combustible siding. If not possible, caulk or fill any voids in combustible siding where embers could collect.
• Clean out combustible debris from under decks. Consider installing solid skirting around the bottom of decks.
• Trim trees to provide a minimum 10’ horizontal clearance from chimneys and other  parts of the house.

0-5 feet around the perimeter of the home

• Shrubs/trees are not recommended within 5 feet of the home.
• If you have landscaping within 5 feet of the home, remove flammable vegetation and combustible items.
• Relocate plastic garbage and recycle bins away from the house.

5-30 feet around the perimeter of the home

• Maintain green, watered landscaping. 
• Replace flammable vegetation with fire resistant vegetation.
• Keep weeds and grasses cut to a maximum of 2” high. 
• Space your plantings. Keep trees and shrubs separated..
• Eliminate ladder fuels below trees. Vegetation can spread fire into tree crowns.
• Trees should have a 15’ minimum horizontal spacing between crowns. Increase that spacing for trees growing on a slope.
• Prune lower limbs and branches to a minimum height of 15’, or 1/3 the tree height for shorter trees.
• Relocate propane tanks at least 30’ away from the home. Create a defensible space around the tank (at least 10’ clearance to combustible materials.)
• Locate smaller firewood piles a minimum of 30’ from your home.

30-100 feet and beyond the perimeter of the home

• Thin out small trees.
• Remove dead or fallen trees.
• Eliminate ladder fuels below trees.
• Locate large firewood piles a minimum of 100’ from your home.  When possible, place piles uphill from structures.
• If you live on a slope or hill, you may need to double or even triple this safety zone.

More information about building a Wildfire Resistant Home HERE.
Take the Wildfire Preparedness 30-Day Challenge HERE.