The ongoing disaster in LA has us all heartbroken and speechless. Most in Northern California have a personal connection to the LA area…whether we’re former Angelinos ourselves or our family and friends are presently survivors, we are all touched and impacted.
The conditions are undoubtedly extreme but the reality is that climate-change driven fire events aren’t going anywhere. While no amount of fire hardening and defensible space could have saved some of the homes in the Palisades or Eaton fires, others did survive. We’re bringing you best practices for creating defensible space and hoping you never have to use it.
How to reduce the risk of damage from fire in homes
Create Defensible Space:
-
Maintain a cleared zone around your home by removing dead vegetation, leaves, and other flammable materials. This defensible space should extend at least 30 feet from your house.
Fire-Resistant Landscaping:
-
Choose fire-resistant plants for your landscaping, such as succulents, stonecrop, and other low-flammability species.
-
Space trees and shrubs apart to reduce the risk of fire spreading from one plant to another - fire can jump from one tree to another, called “laddering”
-
Prune trees and shrubs regularly to remove dead branches and create a firebreak.
-
Clear away dead trees, branches, and other vegetation that can serve as fuel for wildfires.
-
Keep grass and weeds trimmed low.
-
Create firebreaks or fire-resistant barriers around your property using non-flammable materials like gravel, rock, or brick.
Roof and Gutter Maintenance:
-
Use fire-resistant roofing materials, such as metal, tile, or asphalt shingles with a Class A fire rating.
-
Clean your roof and gutters regularly to remove debris like leaves and pine needles.
-
Install ember-resistant vents on your home to prevent embers from entering the attic or crawl spaces.
Seal Openings:
-
Seal gaps and openings around windows, doors, and other entry points with fire-resistant materials like caulk and weatherstripping.
-
Use a fire-resistant vent opening for attic ventilation, such as this one by Vulvan Vents
Siding and Decking:
-
Use fire-resistant siding materials, such as stucco, fiber cement, or fire-resistant treated wood.
-
Consider replacing wooden decks with non-combustible materials like concrete or metal.
Safe Storage:
-
Store firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable materials at least 30 feet away from your home and other structures.
Fire-Resistant Fencing:
-
Use non-combustible fencing materials like metal or stone.
-
Ensure that the fence is not directly attached to your house, as it can act as a conduit for flames.
Emergency Water Supply:
-
Install an outdoor water source, such as a well, swimming pool, or water storage tank, with a pump and hose that can be used by firefighters in case of a wildfire.
Stay Informed:
-
Stay updated on local wildfire alerts and evacuation orders. Sign up for emergency notifications from your local authorities.
-
Download the WatchDuty app and sign up for Nixl
Evacuation Plan:
-
Have a well-thought-out evacuation plan for your family and pets, and practice it regularly.
Insurance Coverage:
-
Ensure that your homeowners' insurance includes wildfire coverage to help with rebuilding and replacing possessions in case of damage.
We hope you'll never need these tips! But if a fire were to come, let's be best prepared.
