Wildfires are a harsh reality, with nearly 20 million acres of land scorched in recent years. For homeowners, especially those in fire-prone regions, thoughtful preparation and maintenance of a fire-wise home is critical. 

While straw bale walls offer exceptional fire resistance, not everyone is already living in their dream straw house, so we wanted to share tips that can apply to all types of home construction builds. (More coming soon in a future blog on designing a fire-wise straw house as there are details to consider beyond the walls!)

Whether you are renting or a homeowner, we hope this helps you take steps towards creating a safer home place. Be sure to read to the end for a free downloadable checklist to use! 

Increasing Your Home Wildfire Resilience

The Defensible Space Principle

Creating defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire risk. The concept involves modifying vegetation and other combustible materials around your property to slow the spread of fire and provide a buffer for firefighters.

Defensible space is divided into three zones:

• Immediate Zone (0-5 feet)

  Keep this area clear of flammable materials like firewood, mulch, or dry vegetation. Use non-combustible materials for landscaping, such as gravel or stone. Install hardscaping elements like patios and pathways to act as firebreaks.

• Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet)

  Thin out trees and shrubs to create at least 10 feet of separation between tree canopies. Keep grass mowed and irrigated to prevent it from becoming fuel. Prune tree branches at least 6-10 feet above the ground to prevent a surface fire from climbing.

• Extended Zone (30-100 feet)

  Remove dead trees, fallen branches, and other debris. Space trees to prevent crown fires from spreading. Manage native vegetation to reduce fire intensity.

Stopping Wildfire Before It Starts

Ignition Reduction Strategies

What is outside the walls of a home matters greatly in wildfire home protection.

Here are other practical steps to reduce ignition risks:

• Gutter Maintenance

  Keep gutters and downspouts free of leaves and debris. Where leaf and pine needle litter collects is also where embers will collect and cause ignition.

• Chimney Protection

  Install spark arresters on chimneys to prevent embers from escaping.

• Outdoor Furniture

  Use fire-resistant furniture and cushions in outdoor living areas.

• Storage

  Store firewood and other combustibles at least 30 feet from your home.

• Surrounding Outbuildings

  Assess outbuildings on your property for their fire vulnerability. Apply similar fire-wise principles to reduce risk.

Conclusion

Wildfires are unpredictable, but preparing your home can make all the difference.

Taking proactive steps not only protects your home but also enhances your family's safety and peace of mind. Start planning your fire-wise strategy today and build resilience into every aspect of your home.

Download the checklist below or visit the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), which has excellent resources for homeowners wanting to learn more here.

View a free Home Wildfire Safety checklist to use for your home today.

FAQ

What is defensible space? This is a natural or landscaped area around a structure that has been maintained and designed to reduce fire danger. This defensible space reduces the risk that fire will spread from one area to another, or to a structure, and provides firefighters access and a safer area from which to defend a threatened area. Firefighters sometimes do not attempt to protect structures without adequate defensible space, as it is less safe and less likely to succeed. (wikipedia)