How homes ignite
Embers can travel a mile or more ahead of a fire. They enter attic vents, land in gutters full of leaves, lodge under decks and ignite mulch and wood fences against the house.
What to look at
- Roof: Class A fire rating; no gaps at the edges; no debris in valleys and gutters.
- Vents: ember-resistant vents or 1/16 to 1/8 inch metal mesh.
- Eaves: enclosed eaves resist ember entry better than open rafters.
- Windows: dual-pane tempered glass resists heat better.
- Decks: non-combustible material and no storage underneath.
- Fences: a non-combustible section where the fence meets the house.
- Garage: weather stripping on the door and battery backup for the opener.
Defensible space
| Zone | Distance | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | 0 to 5 feet | Non-combustible surfaces, no wood mulch or stored fuel |
| Zone 1 | 5 to 30 feet | Lean, clean and green; separated plants; trimmed trees |
| Zone 2 | 30 to 100 feet | Reduced fuel; spacing between shrubs and trees |
Buyer checklist
- Check the property’s fire hazard severity zone in the Natural Hazard Disclosure.
- Get an insurance quote early in escrow.
- Ask for any recent defensible space inspection results.
- Budget for vent upgrades and gutter guards.
Common questions
What is Zone 0?
The ember-resistant zone within five feet of the structure. California is developing regulations that restrict combustible material there, such as wood mulch, plants and wood fences attached to the house.
Will hardening my home help with insurance?
California's Safer from Wildfires framework lists mitigation measures that insurers must recognize in their pricing, including Class A roofs, ember-resistant vents and defensible space.