Recent studies found 90% of structure fires are caused by wind-driven embers being drawn into air vents, eves, that hit a house and drop to the ground at the wall, which is where they set fire to anything combustible. Houses that survived the Paradise Fire - one of the deadliest in California history - had one thing in common: no combustibles close to the house. Even a few feet of stone around the foundation made a big difference.
Homes within urban areas with piped services and fire hydrants and nearby fire stations are better protected, but many of us live in suburbs in what fire officials and insurers call WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE (WUI). The following tips are for folks who are in wild fire hazards zones in rural areas where there may not be a fire department response.
Roofs do not catch on fire, by code a roof must be constructed with fire retardant un flammable materials. It is a waste of time and water soaking your roof or your shrubbery. In 90-degree heat with high winds, the water dry's rapidly.
🔥Keep combustibles away from your home (firewood, wood sheds, fences)
🔥Advocate for steel roofing and non-combustible cladding close to grade.
🔥Think twice before you build a wood deck or shed against a rural home.
Be prepared; Do today what others wont so tomorrow others can.