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Chimney:
Photo courtesy of Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District
Chimney and stovepipe openings should be equipped with an approved spark arrester cap. An approved spark arrester cap is a device constructed of noncombustible materials, 12-guage minimum welded or woven wire mesh, with maximum 1/2-inch openings, or cast-iron plate, 3/16-inch minimum thickness, or other material found satisfactory by the local enforcement agency.
Roof:
Photo courtesy of Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District
The roof is the most vulnerable part of a home to wildfire and is also the best predictor of home survivability during a wildfire. Homes with non fire-retardant woodshake or wood shingle roofs are much more likely to be destroyed during a wildfire than homes with a fire-resistant roof.
Photo courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Upgrade your roof to a Class A fire-resistance rating. The fire-resistance rating of a roof can be A, B, C, or non-rated. An “A” rating is the most fire-resistant and required by California law. Fire-resistant roofing materials include composition, metal, and tile. Regardless of the roof type, all rooftops and gutters must be kept free of fallen leaves, needles, branches, and other combustible debris.
Photo courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Flammable Items:
Illustration courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Keep the porch, deck, and other outdoor areas adjacent to a home free of combustible materials. This includes decorative items such as baskets, dried flower arrangements, and pine cones. Keep these areas also free of newspapers, exposed mail, and debris.
Photo courtesy of Fire Safe Council of San Diego County
Photo courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Firewood:
Photo courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Firewood stacks should be located at least 50 feet from a home. Clear all combustible vegetation 10 feet around firewood stacks. Do not store firewood stacks uphill from a home because a burning stack can fall apart, roll down a hill, and ignite a home.
Photo courtesy of University of California Cooperative Extension
Windows:
Photo courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
In a wildfire, windows are one of the most vulnerable parts of a home and can break when exposed to high heat even before the house is touched by flames. Broken windows allow burning embers and heat to enter the home that may ignite the interior. Single-paned and large windows are particularly vulnerable.
Install dual-pane windows to ensure the greatest protection to your windows. Use tempered glass in either the outer, inner or both panes of your windows.
Photo courtesy of Frank Beall,
Professor Emeritius, UCB
Photo courtesy of Steve Quarles,
University of California Cooperative Extension Advisor
Decks:
Photo courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Attached decks are often located on the downhill side of the home where they can trap heat, flames, and embers from an oncoming wildfire. The hazard increases when leaves, dried grass, debris, and other combustible materials are allowed to accumulate under the deck.
Photo courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Photo courtesy of University of California Cooperative Extension
To avoid this hazard, enclose or screen the underside of decks to prevent the accumulation of debris. Use a rock mulch to prevent vegetation growth. To prevent moisture related damage, make sure your deck enclosure is adequately ventilated. This eliminates the need to clean underneath your decks and is particularly helpful for decks that are slightly raised above ground and difficult to access.
Click here for more information on residential deck construction from the County of San Diego.
Photo courtesy of University of California Cooperative Extension
Photo courtesy of Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District
Vents:
Illustration courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Vents are used to remove moisture from an attic or crawlspace, but they can also provide an entry point for burning embers. Cover vents with 1/8" inch, noncombustible, corrosion-resistant metal mesh or install a vent designed to resist ember penetration. Do not use fiberglass or plastic mesh because they can melt or burn.
Photo courtesy of Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District
Photo courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Photo courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Exterior Siding:
Photo courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
The exterior siding of a home is particularly vulnerable to the radiant heat, burning embers, and direct flames from a wildfire. Wood products, such as boards, panels, and shingles are the most common siding materials. However, they are combustible and not good choices for high fire hazard areas. Noncombustible siding materials, such as stucco, brick, fiber-cement materials, and wood products treated with an exterior-rated fire retardant are better choices. Check your local fire and building codes for siding requirements in your area.
Photo courtesy of University of California Cooperative Extension
Eaves:
Illustration courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
The eaves of a home act as a heat trap for hot air and gases, as well as a trap for burning embers, that greatly increase the chance of ignition.
Covering the undersides of eaves with a fire-resistant soffit material, or “boxing in” the eave, protects the eave area and helps direct away hot air.
For more information and illustrations, click here to see the County of San Diego's "Ignition Resistant Eave Construction" guidance document or refer to your local fire and building codes.
Photo courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Photo courtesy of livingwithfire.info
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Gutters:
Photo courtesy of University of California Cooperative Extension
Gutters can trap flying burning embers that can ignite accumulated debris. Always keep gutters free of leaves, needles, and other debris. Check and clean them several times during fire season.
Photo courtesy of Steve Quarles,
University of California Cooperative Extension Advisor
Consider gutter covers or guards to help reduce the frequency of cleanings. Remember to inspect and maintain covers regularly.
Photo courtesy of Steve Quarles,
University of California Cooperative Extension Advisor
