Wildfires grow more intense and unpredictable, and as we witness communities around the country and world navigate destruction and attempt to move forward, one thing is crystal clear: it's more important than ever to prepare your home for any natural disaster.
Some parts of the country face fire season every year, but even homeowners in less risky areas know that they could be victim to the unexpected. Even regions with snow and ice experience droughts and brush fires. And, knowing that wind-driven embers can carry flames miles away from the original fire, the experts highlight that preparedness goes a long way.
Start By Clearing Extra Space
One of the most effective ways to keep your home safe during a wildfire is to create a buffer.
“Creating a buffer zone around your home, called defensible space, is a key fire-prevention strategy," shared Courtney Klosterman, Home Insights Expert at Hippo Home Insurance. "This area not only slows the advance of fire but also provides firefighters with a safer space to work."
To design a defensible space, she recommends dividing your property into three zones. Together, these zones make up what’s known as the home ignition zone—the area where wildfire embers, radiant heat, or flames could directly ignite a structure.
- Zone 1 (0–5 feet from the home): “Create an ember-resistant area closest to the home. Remove all flammable materials, regularly trim branches so they’re 10 feet away, replace combustible fencing with fire-resistant materials, choose non-combustible materials like gravel or stone, and relocate RVs or cars further away from the home.”
- Zone 2 (5–30 feet from the home): “Keep grass trimmed, prune tree branches to be at least 10 feet from each other, and space out plants to prevent fire from jumping easily between them. Also, make sure any liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks have 10 feet of clear space with no flammable vegetation or materials around them.” (LPG propane tanks can be major fire hazards when surrounded by dry brush.)
- Zone 3 (30–100 feet from the home): “Remove dead trees and vegetation, thin out dense shrubs, and maintain a firebreak where possible.” Creating these fuel breaks can help slow the spread of wildland fires approaching from farther out.
Harden Your Home Against Wildfire Threats
Wildfire home hardening means making physical upgrades to reduce the risk of ignition.
“Wildfires have become more frequent, intense, and unpredictable, putting countless homes at risk," reminds Klosterman. "Strategically upgrading and proactively maintaining your home can reduce the likelihood of fire damage, especially in fire-prone areas."
Start at the top. Roofs are especially vulnerable to flying embers. She also recommends that you regularly inspect your roof for damage. "Make necessary repairs to prevent embers from entering your home during a wildfire. [And,] consider fire-resistant materials like Class A roofing if you’re due for an upgrade.”
Class A roofing offers the highest level of fire protection, and many city codes require it.
Other upgrades to consider:
- Install ember-resistant attic vents with metal mesh to prevent embers from entering crawl spaces or attics.
- Choose fire-resistant building materials like fiber cement or stucco instead of wood.
- Upgrade to dual-paned windows, which offer better protection from heat and breakage.
- Add exterior sprinkler systems, but be mindful of water use in drought-prone areas. “Automated rooftop or perimeter sprinklers can help keep your property damp and reduce flammability; however, use these systems strategically and ensure they are connected to a dedicated water supply.”
Also, regularly clear rain gutters of debris and consider installing gutter guards. "Clogged gutters can pose a serious fire risk, especially in dry, fire-prone regions," shared Chris Counahan, President of Leaf Home. "When leaves and other debris build up in gutters, they create a layer of dry, flammable material that can ignite if exposed to traveling embers. In fact, 90% of home ignitions during wildfires are caused by flying embers."
These changes may seem small, but together they make a home less flammable. They can't guarantee anything, but they can help prevent home destruction.
Prepare Ahead, Inside and Out
Wildfire home preparedness means looking beyond the structure itself. It’s also about planning ahead and maintaining your property throughout the year.
Once you've cleared zones, make upkeep a priority. “Regularly remove dead leaves, branches, and any flammable materials that a fire could ignite and use to spread to your home,” recommends Klosterman. Clear your gutters. Rake debris that's close to the house. Keep your firewood stored further away from buildings.
You’ll also want to review your insurance coverage. “All standard homeowner insurance policies generally include fire and wildfire protection, but it’s important to ensure your coverage limits are sufficient,” she adds. “You should consider if your policy could adequately cover rebuilding expenses and confirm that the contents of your home are properly insured.”
Also, fine-tune plans for a worst-possible scenario:
- Know your evacuation routes and have emergency supplies packed in a go-bag.
- Back up important documents digitally, and relocate anything that needs to come with you to an easy-to-access location. This isn't a sponsored plug, but we've long used Sentry Safe safes to add peace of mind for household fires and wildfires.
- Keep your phone charged and stay alert to local fire warnings.
- Sign up for community alerts or apps that track wildfire threats.
- Follow organizations like the American Red Cross for evacuation advice and shelter locations.
FAQ
What is the difference between a fire-resistant home and a fireproof one?
No home is completely fireproof. Fire-resistant homes are designed to be much harder to ignite. They use materials and layouts that slow down fires and reduce the chance of ember entry. The goal is to buy time... both for the fire to pass and for first responders to help.
Should I stay or evacuate if a fire is near my home?
Always follow local evacuation orders. If you feel unsafe, don’t wait. Wildfires can move fast and change direction with little warning. It's better to leave early than to get trapped later. Even if you’ve done everything to prepare against wildfire risk, personal safety comes first.
