Learn about the history of wildfires in your area. Be aware of recent weather. A long period without rain increases the risk of wildfire. Consider having a professional inspect your property and offer recommendations for reducing the wildfire risk. Determine your community’s ability to respond to wildfires. Are roads leading to your property marked? Are the roads wide enough to allow firefighting equipment to get through? Is your house number visible from the roadside?
All vegetation is fuel for a wildfire, though some trees and shrubs are more flammable than others. To reduce the risk, you will need to modify or eliminate brush, trees, and other vegetation near your home. Create a 30-foot safety zone around the house. The greater the distance between your home and the vegetation, the greater the protection.
Identify all combustible materials outside the house. Stack firewood 100 feet away and uphill from the house. Keep the gas grill and propane tank at least 15 feet from the house. Clear an area 15 feet around the grill. Place a 1/4 inch mesh screen over the grill.
Any attic vent, soffit vent, louver, or other opening can allow embers and flaming debris to enter a home and ignite it. Cover all openings with 1/4 inch or smaller corrosion-resistant wire mesh. If you’re designing louvers, place them on the vertical wall rather than the soffit of the overhang.
The roof is especially vulnerable to a wildfire. Embers and flaming debris can travel great distances, land on your roof, and start a new fire. Avoid flammable roofing materials such as wood, shake, and shingle. More fire-resistant materials include single-ply membranes, fiberglass shingles, slate, metal, clay, and concrete tile. Clear gutters of leaves and debris.