Lessons from Los Angeles: Top 10 fire-safe upgrades for your home

The recent fires in Los Angeles were a stark reminder that we can – and should – take steps to make our homes more resilient. While no home is fully fireproof, a few key improvements and a fire-conscious mindset can mean the difference between sustaining damage and losing everything. These fires also showed our interdependence: embers can travel up to a mile on the wind, igniting houses far from the main blaze. When entire neighborhoods catch fire, firefighters often shift from saving homes to containing the spread. By “hardening” your home (the term experts use for fire-resistance upgrades), you not only protect yourself but also help strengthen your entire community.

Making hard choices

Truly hardening a home can clash with cherished preferences – like maintaining fences tight against the house for privacy or cultivating lush vegetation close by for shade. In Northern California, where greenery is prized, trimming back trees and shrubs can be especially difficult. Some recommendations, such as installing a more fire-resistant roof, can also be costly. Remember, however, that any improvement is better than none. Do what you can within your comfort zone and budget.

Before diving into specific home-hardening steps, it’s helpful to establish a protective buffer around your property known as a “defensible space.”

Create defensible space

Experts recommend a 100-foot defensible space in every direction around your home. This typically includes:

• Regular Maintenance: Prune trees and remove weeds.

• Smart Plant Choices: Opt for more fire-resistant species like lavender, lamb’s ear or agave.

• Hardscaping: Use rock, gravel, or pavers near the house instead of flammable mulch.

Defensible space prevents fires – especially those driven by flying embers – from quickly reaching your home. In addition, consider the following measures for a more comprehensive approach to fire safety.

Increasing fire resistance

• Trim Overhanging Greenery

Cut back trees or shrubs extending over roofs, fences or other structures.

• Clear the the first five feet. Remove or limit all vegetation within five feet of exterior walls.

• Replace combustible mulch. Use rock, decomposed granite or pebbles instead of bark or wood chips.

• Clean and cover gutters. Keep gutters free of leaves; cover them with fine metal mesh to block embers.

• Maintain deck undersides. Clear out dead leaves or flammable debris beneath decks and porches.

• Seal gaps. Close any spaces in roof tiles or shingles; cover attic vents with metal mesh to keep embers out.

• Secure the garage. Properly seal garage doors and install a vertical brace to prevent wind from blowing them in.

• Store flammable items safely. Avoid keeping gasoline, chemicals or propane in the garage.

• Keep firewood and propane tanks distant. Store these items at least 30 feet from your home.

• Have a long hose on hand. A 50- to 100-foot hose with a quality spray nozzle can help you quickly douse small spot fires.

Many homes during the LA fires ignited because of wind-driven embers. Cal Fire notes that a combination of natural and fire-generated winds can carry burning fragments for blocks. In 2021, Santa Ana winds exceeded 100 mph – comparable to a category 2 or 3 hurricane. This is why covering vents, sealing gaps, and clearing debris are essential to fire-hardening your home.

Smart choices

If you have significant home improvements or repairs planned, consider these upgrades, budget permitting:

• Roofing: Swap old or wooden roofs for slate, tile or metal.

• Siding: Replace wood siding with fiber cement or other noncombustible materials.

• Windows: Install double-paned or tempered glass to avoid heat-related blowouts.

• Decks & Fences: Opt for metal or other noncombustible materials. 

If you’re placed under an evacuation watch but still have time:

• Move flammable items – such as cushions, wooden patio furniture or propane tanks – indoors or far from the house.

• Clear leaves or debris around decks and gutters.

• Close all windows and doors tightly.

Leave immediately when evacuation is mandatory. Your safety is paramount, but quick action can determine if your home remains standing.

Wildfires affect entire neighborhoods, not just individual homes. The more we each do to prepare our properties, the less fuel there is for a spreading blaze – and the greater the odds firefighters can protect and save our community. By taking proactive steps, you significantly reduce risks to your home, your neighbors and your neighborhood’s resilience.