Preparing Homes For Wildfire
What are the primary threats to homes during a wildfire?
Research on home destruction versus home survival in wildfires points to embers and small flames as the primary causes of ignition. Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and vegetation that can be carried more than a mile by the wind. These embers can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris, and other objects.
There are proven methods homeowners can use to prepare their homes to withstand ember attacks and reduce the likelihood of flames or surface fires reaching the home or its attachments. Experiments, models, and post-fire studies show that homes ignite based on the condition of the structure and its surroundings, extending up to 200 feet from the foundation. This area is known as the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).
What is the Home Ignition Zone?
The concept of the Home Ignition Zone was developed by retired USDA Forest Service fire scientist Jack Cohen in the late 1990s, following breakthrough experimental research on how homes ignite due to the effects of radiant heat. The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) is divided into three zones.
Downloadable Wildfire Evacuation Checklist
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Immediate Zone
The home and the area 0–5 feet from the furthest attached exterior point of the home are defined as a non-combustible area. Research shows this is the most important zone for immediate action, as it is the most vulnerable to embers. Start with the house itself, then move to the landscaping within the Immediate Zone.
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Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris, and pine needles that could catch embers.
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Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember penetration.
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Reduce ember entry through vents in the eaves by installing 1/8-inch metal mesh screening.
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Clean debris from exterior attic vents and install 1/8-inch metal mesh screening to reduce ember intrusion.
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Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows.
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Screen or enclose areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
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Move any flammable materials away from exterior walls, including mulch, flammable plants, leaves, needles, and firewood piles. Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches.
Intermediate Zone
The area 5–30 feet from the furthest exterior point of the home. Landscaping and hardscaping should be carefully planned to create breaks that help influence and reduce fire behavior.
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Clear vegetation from under large, stationary propane tanks.
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Create fuel breaks with driveways, walkways, paths, patios, and decks.
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Keep lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches.
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Remove ladder fuels (vegetation under trees) so a surface fire cannot reach the crowns.
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Prune trees up to six to ten feet from the ground; for shorter trees, do not exceed one-third of the overall tree height.
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Space trees to maintain a minimum of eighteen feet between crowns, increasing the distance with the percentage of slope.
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Plan tree placement so the mature canopy is no closer than ten feet from the structure.
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Limit trees and shrubs in this zone to small clusters to break up the continuity of vegetation across the landscape.
Extended Zone
The area 30–100 feet from the home, extending out to 200 feet. Landscaping in this zone is not intended to eliminate fire, but to interrupt its path and keep flames smaller and on the ground.
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Dispose of heavy accumulations of ground litter and debris.
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Remove dead plant and tree material.
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Remove small conifers growing between mature trees.
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Remove vegetation adjacent to storage sheds or other outbuildings within this area.
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Trees 30 to 60 feet from the home should have at least 12 feet between canopy tops.*
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Trees 60 to 100 feet from the home should have at least 6 feet between canopy tops.*
*The distances listed for crown spacing are based on NFPA 1144 guidelines. However, the spacing required to reduce or prevent crown fire potential may be significantly greater depending on slope, tree species, and other site-specific conditions. Consult a local forestry professional for guidance appropriate to your property.
Defensible Space
A Guide For Ornamental Vegetation Maintenance
Wildfire Evacuation: READY, SET, GO!
When an evacuation is called, timing matters.
READY
Prepare your home before a fire starts
Your first line of protection is your property.
Defensible space is what gives firefighters a chance to defend your home. Strike teams look for places where they can safely park, operate, and hold their position. If a property is overgrown or unsafe, they will move on. They cannot risk their lives on a home that hasn’t been prepared.
Focus on your zones:
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0–5 feet (Zone 0): Ember-resistant zone
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5–30 feet (Zone 1): Reduce fuels and increase spacing
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30–100 feet (Zone 2): Slow fire spread
This work keeps fire on the ground instead of allowing it to climb into trees and structures.
Keep trees healthy. Remove dead limbs and vegetation so they don’t become fuel.
Ember Awareness
Embers can travel 1 to 5 miles ahead of a wildfire.
They will:
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Self-extinguish
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Smolder
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Ignite
The question is: What will they land on?
Walk your property and look for:
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Leaf litter and debris buildup
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Areas where wind deposits material
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Rooflines, corners, and edges where embers could collect
If debris collects there, that’s where ignition is most likely to start. Keep those areas clean.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Evacuation starts long before an emergency
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Know your risks based on where you live
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Know your evacuation routes and have more than one option
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Know your destination: family, friends, hotel, or shelter
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Sign up for emergency alerts and follow local authorities.
A complete plan also includes how to get out quickly if conditions change:
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Identify two ways out of every room
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Make sure doors and windows open easily
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Choose an outside meeting place
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Maintain working smoke alarms throughout the home
SET
Prepare to evacuate before you are told to leave
This is where most people fall short. Planning ahead is what makes everything else work.
Build your evacuation plan now:
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Plan multiple places to go in different directions
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Identify pet-friendly locations ahead of time
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Set a family communication plan and meeting location
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Assign an out-of-area contact
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Keep an updated contact list
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Know alternate routes out of your area
If you do not have a vehicle, make a plan now with neighbors, family, or local resources.
Keep your vehicle ready:
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At least half a tank of gas at all times
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Parked facing out for a quick exit
Emergency Kits
Prepare ahead of time:
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One go-bag per person
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One kit in each vehicle
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One central kit for the home
Everyone should know where these are and be able to grab them quickly.
Teach Your Household
Make sure everyone knows:
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Full name and address
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Parent or emergency contact numbers
When networks are overloaded, texting often works better than calling.
GO BAG
Have it ready before you need it
You should never be deciding what to pack during an evacuation.
At a minimum:
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Water and food (3-day supply for each person and pet)
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Medications and first aid supplies
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Important documents (hard copies and digital backups)
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Cash (small bills)
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Phone chargers and backup batteries
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Clothing and sturdy shoes (jeans, cotton or wool preferred)
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Glasses and basic hygiene items
For pets:
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Food and supplies
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Vaccination records
If you don’t have a bag ready, grab the essentials first. Stress makes it easy to forget things. A checklist helps.
COMMUNITY EVACUATION
Strong communities evacuate better
Evacuation is not just individual. It’s local.
Form small block groups (8–10 homes):
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Share contact information
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Identify neighbors who need help
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Know where your group will meet first
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Know where you will relocate if conditions change
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Identify dead-end roads and access limits
Plan ahead for animals, especially large animals. Know where they can go before an emergency.
If there is no cell service:
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Use vehicle horns to alert neighbors
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Rely on door-to-door communication
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Watch for sheriff or helicopter announcements
GO
Leave early. Do not wait.
If firefighters are evacuating you instead of fighting the fire, conditions are already critical.
Follow their direction immediately.
DURING AN EVACUATION
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Leave early to avoid traffic and road closures
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Follow official evacuation routes
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Take your go-bag and pets
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Lock your home and secure doors and windows
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Stay informed through alerts or radio
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Check on neighbors who may need help
If authorities say evacuate, go. Delaying puts you and first responders at risk.
IF YOU HAVE TIME BEFORE LEAVING
These small steps can make a difference:
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Close all windows and doors
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Move flammable items away from windows and to the center of the room
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Shut off gas, propane, and HVAC
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Turn on interior and exterior lights for visibility
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Open gates for firefighter access
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Clear driveways and access roads
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Place a ladder against the home for roof access
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Move grills and combustible items away from structures
Evacuate in one vehicle if possible.
WHAT TO WEAR
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Cotton or wool clothing
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Long sleeves and jeans
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Closed-toe shoes
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Tie back long hair
Avoid synthetic materials like nylon.
AFTER AN EVACUATION
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Wait for official clearance before returning
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Expect road closures and service disruptions
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Avoid downed power lines and damaged areas
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Let family know when you arrive safely
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Bring extra water and supplies when returning
FINAL POINT
Do not stay behind to fight a wildfire with a garden hose.
Leave early. That decision saves lives.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Your best protection starts before the fire:
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Maintain defensible space
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Reduce fuel around your home
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Understand how your property ignites
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Build and practice your evacuation plan
That work gives firefighters a chance to defend your home and gives you time to get out safely.