Wildfires pose a significant risk to homes, especially in areas prone to dry, windy conditions. Hardening your home against wildfires is a critical step in protecting your property and loved ones. This proactive approach involves understanding the risks and implementing measures to minimize vulnerabilities. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) provides comprehensive guidelines on how to prepare for a wildfire –

 

Three Ways A Wildfire Can Damage Your Home

There are 3 ways a wildfire can damage your home, and its crucial to guard against all these. Direct flames are those that come from wildfires or burning neighboring structures. Likewise, radiant heat from nearby burning objects may cause certain vegetation, pipes, and other easily combustible items to ignite in flames. Flying embers, capable of reaching homes up to a mile away, are carried by strong winds such as the Santa Ana in the south, and the Diablo winds here in the north.

Knowing what you’re up against will give you a clearer idea on how to harden your home. Watch demo video by CalFire below, and read the following comprehensive guidelines for home-hardening:

 

 

Home Hardening Tips: How to Prepare for a Wildfire

Roofs and Chimneys

  • Roofs: Replace wood or shingle roofs with fire-resistant materials like composite, metal, clay, or tile. Seal gaps under roof tiles and shingles to block embers. Regularly remove debris like leaves and pine needles.
  • Chimneys: Install non-flammable screens (3/8- to 1/2-inch openings) to prevent ember escape. Close fireplace flues during wildfire season.

Vents and Windows

  • Vents: Use 1/16- to 1/8-inch metal mesh screens over vents. Upgrade to flame- and ember-resistant vents approved by the California State Fire Marshal.
  • Windows: Install dual-pane windows with at least one tempered glass layer. Limit large windows facing vegetation. Add screens to operable windows for ember protection.

Walls and Decks

  • Walls: Opt for non-flammable siding like stucco, fiber cement, or treated wood. Ensure material covers the entire structure from foundation to roofline.
  • Decks: Use ignition-resistant materials such as composite. Remove flammable materials from beneath decks. Maintain defensible space below elevated decks.

Patio Covers and Eaves

  • Use fire-resistant materials for patio covers and box in eaves with noncombustible materials to block embers.

Garages and Fences

  • Garages: Equip with fire extinguishers and battery backups for garage doors. Use weather stripping to seal ember entry points.
  • Fences: Use noncombustible materials where fences connect to the house.

Addresses and Driveways

  • Ensure addresses are visible from the street. Maintain at least 10 feet of vegetation clearance along driveways and access roads, and ensure emergency vehicles have access.

Rain Gutters and Water Supplies

  • Rain Gutters: Clean regularly and install noncombustible gutter covers. Add metal drip edges to protect roof edges.
  • Water Supplies: Install hoses long enough to reach all property areas. Consider pumps for additional water from pools or wells.

Defensible Space: A Safety Buffer for Your Home

San Mateo County’s beautiful hillsides, that of San Carlos included, are highly susceptible to wildfires, particularly during the dry summer months when temperatures rise, humidity drops, and winds intensify. Creating defensible space is critical to protecting your home from the threat of wildland fires. This buffer zone slows the spread of wildfire and shields your home from direct flames, radiant heat, and flying embers. It also creates a safer environment for firefighters defending your property.

Defensible space, combined with fire-resistant landscaping and construction, significantly reduces the risk of home ignition while allowing for a beautiful, well-planned yard. California law generally requires 100 feet of defensible space around homes, divided into two zones. San Mateo County’s specific defensible space and weed abatement requirements are as follows:

 

Defensible Space Zones

Defensible Space Zones

Zone 0: Ember- Resistant Zone (0–5 feet)

  • Use noncombustible ground coverings like gravel.
  • Remove all combustible materials, including mulch and firewood.
  • Clear gutters, roofs, and outdoor areas of debris.
  • Replace flammable fencing and relocate combustible items.

Zone 1: Home Defense Zone (0–30 feet)

  • Remove all dead plants, grass, and weeds.
  • Clear dead leaves, pine needles, and debris from your yard, roof, and gutters.
  • Trim tree branches to maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from other trees and your chimney.
  • Remove overhanging branches and dead material from roofs.
  • Relocate woodpiles to Zone 2.
  • Prune or remove flammable plants and shrubs near windows.
  • Clear vegetation and combustible items from under and around decks.
  • Separate trees, shrubs, and flammable objects like patio furniture or swing sets.

Zone 2: Reduced Fuel Zone (30–100 feet)

  • Cut or mow grass to a maximum height of 4 inches.
  • Maintain horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees.
  • Ensure vertical spacing between grass, shrubs, and tree branches to prevent fire spread.
  • Remove fallen leaves, needles, twigs, and small branches, but allow up to 3 inches if erosion control is necessary.

By following these guidelines, you can create a safer environment for your home while contributing to wildfire prevention in your community.

 

Firesafe Landscaping

Firesafe Landscaping

Fire-Smart Landscaping

Fire-resistant landscaping integrates thoughtful plant selection and maintenance to protect your home. Combine defensible space strategies with water-efficient designs to create a landscape that is both beautiful and fire-resistant.

To make your garden more resistant to wildfires, choose fire-safe plants and maintain them properly. Opt for moisture-rich, low-flammability plants, avoiding those high in waxes, oils, or resins. Place plants strategically, keeping combustible vegetation at least 5 feet away from your home and trimming overhanging branches. Regular maintenance is crucial—water plants adequately, prune regularly, and clear dead material to reduce fire risk. Use non-combustible mulches like rock near structures and compost in garden beds. Shade trees can provide cooling benefits but must be well-maintained, with lower branches pruned and debris cleared to prevent fire spread. Thoughtful landscaping and upkeep can significantly improve wildfire resilience.

 

Fire Safe San Mateo

 

Understanding Local Ordinances

Check with local fire departments for specific defensible space measurements and weed abatement requirements. San Mateo’s requirements are as stated above, and you may also check them at this LINK here.

By taking these home-hardening measures, you can significantly reduce wildfire risks and improve your property’s resilience. For more information, consult your local fire department or certified wildfire protection experts.


For More News

For more of what’s happening in and around San Carlos, please visit San Carlos Life Blog

About San Carlos Life

Mark Martinho and Vivienne Kelvin are the hosts of San Carlos Life and have been residents of San Carlos for years. While running San Carlos Life together with an awesome team, Mark and Viv are also in the business of real estate. They are co-owners of Vabrato Real Estate, a luxury real estate brokerage serving the City of Good Living, and the whole of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

With over 30 years of combined experience in the business and 95% of their clients coming in from referrals, Mark and Viv take great pride and joy in exceeding your expectations.

Contact Mark and Viv of Vabrato Real Estate

 

Don't miss out!
Subscribe To San Carlos Life

Add your email here to subscribe to all things San Carlos

Invalid email address
Give it a try. You can unsubscribe at any time.