To reduce the risk of homes catching fire during wildfire season, it is crucial for homeowners to ensure that their houses are constructed using fire-resistant materials. The presence of small gaps and crevices on the exterior of homes can accumulate embers, while flames can break windows, emphasizing the importance of using appropriate building materials in areas prone to wildfires.

Here are some key areas to inspect on your home along with recommendations from experts:

Defensible Space: Homeowners should consider the location of flammable vegetation when constructing a fire-resistant property. Defensible space refers to the area between the house and flammable vegetation. It is divided into three zones, as outlined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Zone 1 (up to five feet from the building): This area should be non-combustible. Homeowners should remove flammable items such as mulch, flammable plants, leaves, wood, and anything stored beneath porches.

Zone 2 (five to 30 feet from the home): Create fuel breaks by incorporating driveways, paths, patios, and decks. Maintain grass height at four inches and remove vegetation beneath trees. Prune trees six to ten feet from the ground and leave 18 feet of space between trees. Additionally, clear vegetation from around stationary propane tanks.

Zone 3 (30 to 100 feet from the home): Dispose of debris, eliminate dead plants and trees, including vegetation near storage sheds or other buildings. Maintain a minimum of 12 feet of space between the tops of trees. Trees located 60 to 100 feet from the home should have at least 6 feet between the tops of their canopies.

Landscaping: Install features like patios, pavers, stone paths, and gravel near the home. Place small shrubs, vegetable gardens, and smaller trees approximately 100 feet away from the house. Certain materials offer better fire resistance. The NFPA recommends avoiding wood and using composite shingles, metal, concrete, and clay tiles for the roof.

Roof and Siding: Keep the roof clear of potential fire fuels, such as leaves and vegetation. Ensure that gutters are clear and trim branches that are close to the home. Consider using tempered glass for windows to prevent breakage during a wildfire. Dual-pane tempered glass can also prevent embers from collecting in siding and windows. Protect eaves with ignition-resistant or noncombustible materials. Choose brick, fiber cement, plaster, three-coat stucco, or metal for siding.

Decks and Porches: Conventional wooden decks are highly combustible, so it is advisable to construct them using heavy timber or noncombustible materials like metal or concrete. The location of the deck is crucial, avoiding areas with vegetation that cannot be cleared or slopes with vegetation that is likely to ignite. Create defensible space around the deck by using noncombustible ground covers like rock, gravel, pavers, or composted bark mulch. Cover chimney openings with a material that has appropriate mesh size and close fireplace flues when not in use. Cover vent openings with 1/16-inch to 1/8-inch metal mesh, avoiding fiberglass or plastic mesh.

Landscaping near the House: Within 30 feet of the house, avoid using organic mulch in plant beds. Instead, opt for non-organic mulch such as pea gravel or stone. Minimize the proximity of plants to walls, especially if the walls are flammable. While grass should be avoided near flammable structures, low-growing fire-resistant plants and succulents are acceptable.

By following these recommendations and using fire-resistant materials, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of their homes catching fire during wildfire season.