Wildfires pose a significant threat in Southern California, but proactive steps can enhance your home’s resilience. By combining general best practices with OCFA’s specific recommendations, you can better safeguard your property.

1. Create Defensible Space

Immediate Zone (0–5 feet):

• Remove Combustibles: Clear away dead plants, leaves, pine needles, and other flammable debris from roofs, gutters, decks, porches, and the base of walls.
• Use Non-Combustible Materials: Opt for gravel, stone, or concrete instead of wood mulch near the home.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean roofs and gutters to prevent the accumulation of flammable materials.

Intermediate Zone (5–30 feet):

• Vegetation Management: Maintain lawns and plants, keeping them well-watered and trimmed.
• Tree Spacing: Ensure trees are spaced to prevent fire from jumping between them.
• Fuel Breaks: Incorporate driveways, walkways, and patios as barriers to slow fire spread.

Extended Zone (30–100 feet):

• Reduce Fuel: Thin out dense vegetation and remove dead plants or trees.
• Create Separation: Space trees and shrubs to prevent fire from climbing to treetops.
• Maintain Landscaping: Regularly mow grass and remove fallen leaves or branches.

2. Harden Your Home Against Embers

Roof:

• Fire-Resistant Materials: Install Class A fire-rated roofing materials such as metal, tile, or asphalt shingles.
• Debris Removal: Keep the roof and gutters free from leaves and pine needles.

Vents:

• Ember-Resistant Covers: Use 1/8-inch metal mesh to cover all vents, preventing embers from entering.
• Proper Installation: Ensure vents are installed to resist direct flame and ember intrusion.

Windows and Doors:

• Dual-Pane Glass: Install dual-pane windows with at least one pane of tempered glass to reduce breakage risk.
• Weather Stripping: Use weather stripping around doors and windows to minimize ember entry.

Eaves and Soffits:

• Boxing In: Enclose eaves and soffits with non-combustible materials to prevent ember intrusion.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to reduce heat buildup while preventing ember entry.

Decks and Fences:

• Fire-Resistant Materials: Construct decks and fences with non-combustible or fire-resistant materials.
• Clear Underneath: Remove debris and vegetation from under decks and around fences.

3. Additional Protective Measures

• Chimney Safety: Install a spark arrestor on your chimney to prevent embers from escaping.
• Emergency Access: Ensure your address is clearly visible from the street for emergency responders.
• Water Supply: Have a garden hose that can reach all areas of your property.
• Evacuation Plan: Develop and practice a family evacuation plan in case of wildfire.

Resources

For more detailed information and resources, visit the OCFA Home Hardening page: OCFA Home Hardening

By implementing these steps, you can significantly increase your home’s chances of withstanding a wildfire. If you have specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!