Wildland fire is an umbrella term that includes controlled fires like prescribed fire and natural fires like wildfires. When managed well, these controlled fires, often called good fires, help us clear debris, maintain landscapes, and support wildlife habitats.
However, at the wrong place and time, wildfires can be dangerous, threatening lives, homes, communities, and natural treasures. As such, communities need to learn how to coexist with fire safely.
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How to Prepare and Protect Your Home
With increasing populations and more intense fire conditions, we must take responsibility for protecting our communities. Protecting homes from wildfires is something anyone can do. To make a meaningful impact and safeguard your home effectively, start with the five most critical items that every resident must prioritize.
1 Roof and Gutters
- Class A roofs are recommended – most roofs are Class A roofs.
- If you have a tile or metal roof, add bird stops.
- Seal gaps around vents, flashing, and loose shingles.
- Keep the roof and gutters clear of debris.
2 Vents
- Install 1/8” (0.25 cm) metal screens on the inside or outside of vents.
- Do not screen dryer vents.
- Clean the vents often.
3 Siding
- Maintain 6” (15 cm) of space between the ground and the bottom of the siding.
- Install 12” (30 cm) of non-combustible material at the base of the wall.
- Install 5’ (1.5 m) of non-combustible fencing next to the home.
4 Porch and Deck
- Don’t store anything under your deck.
- Minimize flammable material on your deck such as furniture or cushions.
- Keep the area under the deck clear of debris.
5 Immediate Zone (0-5 feet)
- Keep the area within 5’ (1.5 m) of the home free of flammable material.
- No plants are ideal. If you do have plants, choose the type, number, and spacing carefully.
- Use hardscape like gravel or pavers as much as possible.
- Do not park vehicles in this area. Do not store firewood, trash cans, pet houses, or similar items in this area.
- Clear yard debris and dead plant materials often.
Fire Readiness Roadmap
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety has developed a roadmap to assist residents in protecting their homes from wildfire. The roadmap is designed to provide the most cost-effective options and progresses from inexpensive and relatively simple projects to progressively more challenging and expensive options.
Download “Be Wildfire Ready” Checklist
Wildland Fire Mitigation Office Overview Video
Land Management Practices
Prescribed Burning
Prescribed burning is a crucial land management tool involving controlled fires on undeveloped land. This safe practice is carried out by private landowners and government agencies and is widely supported by the public. The responsible use of wildland fire is essential for meeting individual and community goals on undeveloped lands, both public and private.
Source:The University of Texas Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The University of Texas Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has been conducting prescribed burns at the Wildflower Center for over 20 years to evaluate effects to the plant community. The following video of a two-acre research burn was shot in March of 2017.
On Call: Wildfire Video Series
The On Call Wildfire Education Series consists of four videos created to teach prevention, preparation, response, and recovery from wildfires. The following videos are a comprehensive resource to enhance your wildfire awareness and readiness.
Additional Resources
- A locally developed guide that helps residents to be Ready with preparedness understanding, be Set with situational awareness when fire threatens, and to Go, acting early when a fire starts.
- Your Wildfire Action Guide: Ready, Set, Go! (in English)
- ¡En sus marcas, listos, fuera! (en español)
- Research and guidance for homeowners for multiple types of risk, including wildfires.
- Multiple programs, training courses, and resources for homeowners.
- National information about wildfire risk for community leaders.
