Wildfire home hardening and defensible space checklist
The steps that protect your home - and that California insurers must now recognize.
The ember-resistant zone (first 5 feet)
Embers, not walls of flame, ignite most homes. The first 5 feet around your house should be the most defensible:
- Use noncombustible materials (gravel, pavers, concrete) against the foundation
- Remove bark mulch, dead plants, and stored combustibles in this zone
- Keep this area clear under decks and stairs
Defensible space (out to 100 feet)
- Zone 1 (5 to 30 feet): trim trees, remove dead vegetation, space shrubs
- Zone 2 (30 to 100 feet): reduce and space fuels, keep grass mowed
- Move woodpiles and propane tanks away from the home
Home hardening (the structure)
- Class-A fire-rated roof - the single most important upgrade
- Ember-resistant (1/8-inch mesh) vents to keep embers out
- Enclosed eaves and noncombustible siding near the ground
- Dual-pane or tempered windows that resist heat
- Noncombustible gutters kept clear of debris
Community programs
Neighborhood efforts count too. Firewise USA recognition and California's Fire Risk Reduction Community designation can help at the community level, and some markets weigh them in underwriting.
Frequently asked questions
Does home hardening lower insurance costs in California?
It can. Under the Safer from Wildfires regulation, insurers must recognize specific mitigation such as a fire-rated roof, ember-resistant vents, and defensible space in eligibility and pricing.
What is the most important wildfire upgrade?
A Class-A fire-rated roof and a clear 5-foot ember-resistant zone around the home are among the highest-impact steps, since embers igniting the roof or nearby fuels cause many home losses.
How far should defensible space extend?
California guidance calls for managing vegetation out to 100 feet from the home where feasible, divided into an inner and outer zone, plus a noncombustible 5-foot zone right against the structure.
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