5 Ways to Reduce Fire Risk

The recent fires and those currently burning across Southern California are a reminder that living here means always looking towards reducing fire risk as much as possible. While it is not possible to make your property completely fireproof and no amount of preparation can ensure that your home will survive a fire that comes through your neighborhood, there are steps we can all take to reduce the risk of losing our homes.

Here are five home-hardening options to reduce the risk of fire damage on your property.

1. Regularly clean your roof and gutters.
I cannot say this one enough: Cleaning your gutters is not just about making sure they are functioning properly if it happens to rain; keeping your gutters free of debris is an essential part of reducing the risk of wildfire damage to your home. Flammable materials on your roof or in your gutters can easily ignite if an ember from a nearby fire is carried to your home on the wind.

2. Follow Fire Hazard Reduction Program (FHRP) guidelines.
The Fire Hazard Reduction Program provides details on how to reduce fire risk on your property with weed abatement, tree clearance, and creating and maintaining a defensible space around your home.

There are several documents on the Ventura County Fire Department website (VCFD.org) that can help you better understand the guidelines.

3. Choose fire-resistant plants.
There are no plants that are truly fireproof, but there are many that are fire resistant. As part of the FHRP, the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) provides their Plant Reference Guide to assist homeowners in choosing plants. The guide provides information on common ornamentals used in landscaping, including plants that should be avoided. The guide also includes information on each variety’s drought tolerance, which can help you find the best options for saving water and creating a beautiful yard that is fire resistant.

You will also want to refer to VCFD Standard 515 – Defensible Space and Fuel Modification Zones for spacing and maintenance requirements, as well as Guideline 410 – Prohibited Plant List to find out which plants and trees are prohibited in new required defensible spaces and fuel modification zones. The publication also encourages homeowners to remove these plants and trees from existing defensible spaces. You might be surprised at some of the trees on this list that are commonly found near structures here, such as olive and pepper trees, so this list is worth a look.

These publications can be found on the Ventura County Fire Department website at VCFD.org.

4. Use fire features safely.
Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, chimeneas, and other fire features make for a cozy, inviting space to gather with friends or unwind with your partner at the end of the day. When well maintained and used properly, fire features are generally safe; however, it only takes one errant ember or a few logs haphazardly stacked against your home for things to go awry. Always keep your fire features clean, inspect them annually, always use a fire screen, maintain a 10-foot radius free of debris, and keep fire extinguishing supplies nearby. Make sure you are using the correct fuel for your fire feature and that you know how to safely store that fuel. And, of course, never leave the fire unattended and make sure it is completely out before going inside for the night.

If you are storing firewood for an indoor fireplace or outdoor fire features, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) recommends stacking firewood a minimum of 30 feet away from structures and maintaining a 10-foot, vegetation-free area around your firewood.

5. Look for fire-resistant patio furniture and textiles.
Wood patio furniture, rugs and doormats made from natural fibers, and cushions made from untreated, natural fabrics would naturally be the first choice for many folks, but if you are concerned about reducing fire risk, you are better off choosing fire-resistant options, such as metal furniture, flame-retardant fabrics, and rubber or metal doormats.

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AimeeJo Davis-Varela is a freelance writer specializing in real estate, sustainable home improvement, eco-friendly landscaping, green living, and travel writing. She is also the owner of Mind Your Manors, which provides second home management services.