Wildfire Risk Reduction — 10 Safety Tips

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Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., and more and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. But by working together, residents can make their own property — and their neighborhood — much safer from wildfire.

You Can Make a Difference!

Increase your wildfire safety. Make simple low-cost changes to your home and landscape starting today.

Visit the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise USA web page for more information.

Action Items to Improve Your Home’s Survivability

• Remove leaves, pine needles, and other flammable material from the roof, gutters, and on and under the deck to help prevent embers from igniting your home.
• Screen areas below decks and porches with 1/8” wire mesh to help prevent material from accumulating underneath.
• Cover exterior attic and soffit vents with 1/8” wire mesh to help prevent sparks from entering your home.
• Enclose eaves to help prevent ember entry.
• Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace missing shingles or tiles. Cover ends of tiles with bird stops or cement to help prevent ember penetration during a wildfire.

Tips for Landscaping Around Your Home

• Remove dead vegetation and other flammable materials, especially within the first 5 feet of the home.
• Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to help reduce fire intensity.
• Prune tree limbs so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet above the ground to help reduce the chance of fire getting into the crowns of the trees.
• Move construction material, trash, and woodpiles at least 30 feet away from the home and other outbuildings.
• Dispose of branches, weeds, leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings that you have cut to reduce fuel for fire.