How to Make Your Home More Fire Resistant
Wildfires are nothing new in Los Angeles, but the recent blazes in Altadena and Pacific Palisades are a sharp reminder: our homes sit at the edge of a changing climate. I spent some summers in college fighting fires in the backcountry, digging line and watching embers travel miles ahead of the flame front. What I learned then still holds true now—fires don’t wait for us to prepare.
Most homes don’t burn from the main wildfire itself, but from wind-blown embers that sneak in through attic vents, land in gutters, or settle into mulch beds and wood piles. Wind tends to pile the embers, helping increase their chances of igniting something. And once one house goes up, the intense heat and flames can quickly spread to others nearby—even if they’ve taken precautions. That's why preparing together as a neighborhood matters just as much as hardening your own home.
The good news? You don’t need a massive budget or a construction crew to start making your home safer. Simple, targeted actions can make a major difference. Think of it as fireproofing from the outside in, one step at a time.
The guide below breaks down where to start, what to prioritize, and how to work with your neighbors to build a community that’s not just fire-aware, but fire-resilient.
Let’s get to work.
Preparing Your Home for Wildfire: Priority Steps
Wildfires are increasingly common and intense, but taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your home’s risk. This streamlined guide prioritizes the most effective actions—whether you have a generous budget, a modest one, or need quick DIY options.
1. Create Defensible Space
Immediate Zone (0–5 feet): Remove all flammable items like wood piles or dried leaves. Use non-combustible ground cover (e.g., gravel or concrete).
Intermediate Zone (5–30 feet): Space out shrubs and trees, prune low branches, and clear away dead vegetation.
Extended Zone (30–100 feet): Clear away dead-and-downed material like dry branches or fallen trees to create breaks in vegetation.
2. Harden Your Home’s Exterior
Roof: Aim for a Class A fire-rated roof (metal, clay/concrete tile, or treated shingles). If replacing isn’t feasible, apply a fire-resistant coating.
Vents: Cover or replace them with ember-resistant vents (look for 1/8-inch metal mesh or intumescent coatings).
Gutters: Clean regularly and install gutter guards to prevent debris accumulation.
3. Strengthen Vulnerable Openings
Windows: Consider dual-pane tempered glass or, at minimum, add exterior shutters or fire-resistant films.
Doors: Ensure seals are tight and consider fire-rated doors if you live in a high-risk area.
4. Organize Neighborhood Efforts
Recruit nearby homeowners, share resources, and keep a group communication channel. Coordinate with local fire departments for training and run occasional drills.
Additional Measures (As Budget Allows)
Siding: Upgrade to non-combustible siding (fiber cement, stucco, or metal).
Decks & Fencing: Replace wood with composite or fireproof materials. Alternatively treat existing wood with flame retardants.
Sprinkler Systems & Backup Power: Install rooftop/perimeter sprinklers and consider solar with battery storage for power outages.
Last Minute Preparations
Fire-Resistant Covers: Temporarily protect your roof or windows with fire blankets or foil covers.
Portable Sprinklers: Set them on the roof and around your property, powered by a generator or water pump.
Vent Sealing: In a pinch, cover vents with aluminum foil and duct tape to block embers.
Brush Clearing: Use basic tools (rakes, pruners, chainsaws) to remove dry materials, focusing on the first 5 feet around your home.
By prioritizing defensible space, basic home-hardening steps, and working together as a neighborhood, you can dramatically reduce wildfire risks. Tackle these measures in order of urgency, upgrade as your budget allows, and stay connected with local fire services and community members for ongoing support and training.
Read Other Posts
