How to protect your home from wildfire: defensible space, home hardening, and everyday maintenance

Homeowners in fire-prone regions can take proactive steps to make their properties more resilient to wildfire. Research and real-world outcomes show these measures truly matter—studies indicate up to 80% of homes lost to wildfires could have been saved if proper defensible space had existed around the structures (dnr.wa.gov).

This guide covers key strategies for defensible space, home hardening, and routine upkeep to help protect your home and family.

1. Create a defensible space around your home

Defensible space is the buffer you create by removing or reducing flammable vegetation and materials around your house. It slows or stops a wildfire and gives firefighters a safer zone to defend your property (readyforwildfire.org).

Many states, like California, legally require homeowners in high-risk areas to maintain around 100 feet of defensible space (readyforwildfire.org). This area is often divided into two zones:

-> Zone 1: 0–30 feet — “Lean, clean, and green”

• Remove dead plants, dry leaves, and pine needles from your yard, roof, and gutters (readyforwildfire.org).

• Keep the area free of debris and flammable clutter.

• Relocate wood piles, propane tanks, or fuel sources at least 30 feet from your home (smokeybear.com).

• Trim plants and tree branches—especially those that come within 10 feet of your roof or chimney (smokeybear.com).

• Clean patios and decks regularly, and don’t store flammable items beneath them.

-> Zone 2: 30–100 feet — Fuel reduction zone

• Mow dry grasses and weeds low to the ground.

• Space out shrubs and trees to prevent fire from jumping between canopies.

• A good rule is to maintain at least 10 feet between tree crowns.

• Remove ladder fuels by pruning lower limbs up to 6–10 feet off the ground (nifc.gov, agri-access.com).

• Thin out underbrush and dead vegetation.

• If your property goes beyond 100 feet, continue creating fuel breaks—especially on downhill slopes, where fire spreads quickly.

The goal is to slow the fire down before it reaches your home.

2. Harden your home against embers

Wind-blown embers are the top cause of homes catching fire—often landing a mile ahead of the flame front. Most houses ignite from embers long before flames arrive.

Here’s how to reduce that risk:

-> Roof

• Upgrade to a Class A fire-rated roof, like metal, tile, or asphalt shingles (nifc.gov).

• Wood shake roofs are vulnerable, even with fire-retardant treatment.

• Regularly clear debris from your roof and gutters (smokeybear.com).

-> Vents and eaves

• Install 1/8-inch metal mesh screens over all vents to block embers (nifc.gov, smokeybear.com).

• Consider ember-resistant vents for added protection.

• Enclose open eaves and soffits—boxed-in eaves reduce ember intrusion.

• Screen beneath decks and porches to keep embers from collecting underneath.

-> Windows and walls

• Upgrade windows to double-pane tempered glass, which is more heat-resistant (agri-access.com).

• Use non-combustible shutters or plywood covers for large windows facing wildland areas.

• Choose fire-resistant siding such as stucco, fiber-cement, metal, or brick (readyforwildfire.org).

• Avoid wood or vinyl siding—vinyl can melt, exposing flammable materials.

• Clear flammable mulch and plants from the base of exterior walls (readyforwildfire.org).

-> Attachments

• Anything attached to the house can carry fire—fences, decks, pergolas.

• Break the wooden fence continuity with a non-combustible material near the house.

• Keep decks clear of clutter and consider using fire-resistant decking material.

3. Maintain your yard and home regularly

Wildfire preparation isn’t a one-time project—it requires regular attention, especially during fire season.

Ongoing maintenance includes:

• Removing dead trees, dry brush, and fallen leaves.

• Cleaning roofs and gutters often (smokeybear.com).

• Mowing grasses to a low height consistently.

• Watering vegetation near your home (prioritize Zone 1 if water is limited).

• Keeping firewood, lumber, and propane tanks outside the 30-foot zone (smokeybear.com).

• Storing flammable items like patio furniture or doormats inside during Red Flag Warnings.

• Using fire-resistant alternatives for outdoor items where possible.

Even a broom or mat left outside can ignite from embers—every detail matters.

4. Prepare for emergencies

Even with strong prevention, wildfires can still threaten homes. That’s why readiness matters.

Be sure to:

• Have an evacuation plan and a family “go bag” with essentials and documents.

• Sign up for local emergency alerts.

• Know at least two evacuation routes from your neighborhood.

• Consider home defense tools like portable water pumps, fire gels, or sprinkler systems (more on these in another article).

• Review your home insurance coverage.

• Keep a photo or video inventory of your belongings in case of damage (ready.gov).

Final thoughts

Firefighters may not be able to defend every home, but your efforts can make a difference.

A home with defensible space, ember protection, and regular upkeep is more likely to survive and safer for emergency crews. The time you invest today could protect everything tomorrow.

As one slogan wisely puts it:
“Wildfires happen — but your house doesn’t have to burn.”