Home Hardening for Wildfire Resilience

This week, we reflect on the wildfires in and around Los Angeles. At the time of this writing, ~62 square miles have burned over nine days displacing over 150,000 residents and tragically killing at least 25 people. Hurricane-strength winds, an accumulation of flammable vegetation, and a warming, drier climate have all contributed to this devastation. And while wildfires in the United States are historically an issue in the West, more and more regions are at risk with climate change rapidly evolving.

How do you cope with this overwhelming reality? By taking action and implementing solutions. In that spirit, today we discuss home hardening - addressing vulnerable components of your home to make it more resilient to heat, flames, and wildfire smoke. We discuss ways you can ‘harden’ your home, as well as how you can support the Los Angeles community below.

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We divide home hardening solutions into two categories - those physically attached to the structure, and those surrounding it. Note, this is a non-exhaustive sampling of hardening solutions. Other solutions address decks and patios, fencing, chimneys, ventilation, and more. 

Attached: 

Windows: single-pane windows, common in older structures, are prone to breaking in wildfire conditions. Simply replacing single-pane windows with dual-panes can minimize this risk. If you cannot afford to replace your windows, installing screens or shutters can improve the performance of windows exposed to extreme heat. 

Roofing: the roof is often the most vulnerable area of a home due to its large surface area, so replacing wood or shingle roofs with fire-rated metal or tile is critical. It is also important to plug any gaps in your roof (as pictured below). Openings allow birds and rodents to build nests with flammable materials that are easily ignited by embers. It is equally important to keep roofs and gutters clear of debris. Wind-blown debris like leaves and pine needles can act as kindling in a wildfire, so regularly cleaning your gutters is essential for fire resilience. 

Siding: the most common combustible siding products include wood, wood composites (e.g., plywood, fibers), vinyl, and/or other plastics. Needless to say, non-combustible and ignition-resistant siding materials are preferred from a sustainability and resilience perspective. Non-combustible materials include three-coat stucco, metal siding, and fiber cement siding. Ignition-resistant siding features wood that has been cured with fire-retardant chemicals.

Surrounding: 

Fire Smart Landscaping: also known as, “firescaping,” is intentional landscaping designed to create a defensible space around homes by using fire-resistant plants and proper spacing. Key tenants include:

1. Planting fire-resistant vegetation with low combustibility and high moisture content. Ideally, plants should be native to your environment. 

2. Strategically locate plants, maintaining a safe distance between vegetation and structures. 

3. Incorporate non-combustible elements such as rocks, gravel, and brick pathways (as pictured below) to act as barriers slowing the advance of wildfire.

Lastly, firescaping is an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance. This includes clearing dead or dry vegetation and pruning trees to prevent fire from climbing.  

Sprinkler Systems: technically, exterior sprinkler systems fall into the ‘attached’ category as they are typically mounted to the roof of a structure. Exterior sprinkler systems, different than garden sprinklers, minimize the risk of ignition by wetting the home and surrounding property. However, you should check with your local fire department before installing exterior sprinkler systems to ensure your community has an adequate water supply to deliver water in an emergency. 

For more information on home hardening techniques, check out the following:

• Ready for Wildfire

• Cal Fire

• Fire Safe Marin

In the near term, please consider donating to the following organizations if you are able. 

1. Los Angeles Fire Department Wildfire Emergency Fund - equipping firefighters with tools and supplies 

2. American Red Cross Los Angeles Region - providing shelter and meals to those affected  

3. Direct Relief - bringing emergency healthcare supplies and hygiene kits to community clinics and evacuation centers

4. Best Friends Animal Society - helping regional animal welfare organizations and saving pets from wildfires