Preparing Your Home to Reduce Wildfire Risks

Whether you live in a wildfire-prone area or not, planning ahead for the possibility of a fire is one of the best things you can do to reduce the risk to your home and property. I do not live in an area that is prone to regular wildfires but I recently found myself facing just such an emergency due to an out-of-control field fire in the wooded area and open fields across from my home. After that fire was safely put out by firefighters, I decided to see what I could do around my home to prepare for the possibility of wildfire in the future. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers the following advice for doing just that.

Know Your Risk
In the case of the wildfire near my home, I mistakenly assumed that a field fire would not pose a risk to my home. Unfortunately, the gusting winds were blowing the fire directly toward my home and had it not been brought under control by firefighters, it could have become a serious risk. As it was, the thick smoke was overwhelming in my yard and around my home, making the fire a health hazard.

Knowing your risk includes being aware of the history of wildfire in your particular area. You should also pay attention to weather conditions in your area--know when conditions are dry and if there are burn bans enacted.

Pay attention to access to and from your property and make sure you know an alternate route to safety in the event your road is blocked. Know where you should go in the event of an emergency evacuation. Your house number should be visible on your home and visible from the roadside. If your home itself isn't visible from the road, clearly mark the end of the driveway with your house and road number.

Create a Safety Zone Around Your House
FEMA recommends creating a 30-foot safety zone around your home and you may want to extend the zone to 100 feet from your home. Vegetation--especially certain trees and shrubs--can be a fire hazard and burn quickly in the event of a wildfire. Reduce this risk by eliminating as much hazard as possible.

Clear vines from around your house and remove shrubs and vegetation that is against the sides of your house. Trim tree limbs to a height of 15 feet above the ground to reduce fire hazards. Prune any shrubs or limbs that are within 15 feet of your chimney or any stove pipes.

Clear Combustible Materials Away from Your Home
Firewood should be stacked 100 feet from your home to reduce fire risk and you should check with your utility company about trimming trees near power lines. Ideally, electrical lines should be installed underground.

Choose less combustible materials for mulch (rubber, rocks) instead of bark or wood chips. Store your grill 15 feet from your home and keep a 15-foot perimeter around the grill clear.

Be sure to clear any debris out from under decks or porches.

Fire Retardant Home Improvements and Building Practices
Enclose the eaves and overhangs of your home to reduce heat buildup in the event of a fire. House vents create an opening through which burning debris can enter your home and start a fire--to combat this, cover vents with wire mesh.

Keep your chimney clean and install spark arrestors--check with your local fire department for specific recommendations and guidelines.

If you are building a new home or have the option to remodel your home, choose fire resistant siding treat wood siding with fire retardants. Install safety glass windows and doors as well as fire resistant shutters or curtains. FEMA recommends dual- and triple-pane thermal windows to help shield the interior from heat.

Your home's roof is vulnerable to ash and floating embers--making it a potential fire hazard. Keep gutters free of leaves and debris and if you re-roof your home, choose materials with better fire resistance such as slate, fiberglass shingles, metal, clay, concrete tile or single ply membranes.

Water Supply
Establish an exterior water supply that can be used in the event of fire. A water tank, a pond or a pool would suffice. Be sure you have garden hoses attached to outdoor faucets or available for quick hookup.

Even a few of these preparations to your home can help reduce fire risks and increase the chances your home and property will be saved in the event of a wildfire. For more information, see FEMA's complete fact sheet, Prepare for a Wildfire.