How to Fire-Harden Your Home

We’ve seen several devastating fires in the past several years, Lahina, Boulder, and several in Southern California. I was a mere mile away from the Marshall fire in Boulder, CO December 30, 2021 where more than 1,000 homes were burned to the ground. Wildfires are an increasing concern in Washington state as well, especially during the dry summer months. As climate change intensifies fire seasons, homeowners can take proactive steps to protect their properties. Fire-hardening your home reduces the risk of ignition from embers, radiant heat, and direct flames.

There are even communities now that are called “shelter in place” where they have collectively created a fire hardened community and it’s safer for these families to shelter in place. Below are key strategies and Washington-specific resources to help you safeguard your home.

1. Create Defensible Space

Defensible space is a buffer zone between your home and flammable vegetation. The goal is to slow the spread of fire and provide firefighters with a safer environment to defend your property.

Zone 1 (0–5 feet from the house): Remove all combustible materials, including dry leaves, firewood stacks, and dead plants. Use nonflammable landscaping materials like gravel.
Zone 2 (5–30 feet): Space trees and shrubs to reduce fire spread. Trim branches to keep them at least 10 feet away from structures and other trees.
Zone 3 (30–100 feet): Thin vegetation and remove dead wood to slow the intensity of an approaching wildfire.

2. Use Fire-Resistant Building Materials

Roof: Choose Class A fire-rated roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, metal, or tile.
Siding: Opt for non-combustible materials like stucco, fiber cement, or brick.
Windows: Install tempered glass windows and use metal screens to prevent ember intrusion.
Vents & Openings: Cover attic and crawl space vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh to keep embers out.

3. Maintain Your Property Year-Round

Regularly clean gutters, roofs, and decks to remove dry leaves and debris.
Keep grass and weeds trimmed to reduce fire fuel.
Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home.

4. Install Fire-Resistant Features

Sprinkler Systems: Consider installing exterior fire sprinklers to wet down your property before a fire approaches.
Fire-Resistant Decking: Use composite materials or fire-retardant-treated wood.
Metal Fencing: Wood fences can act as a fire bridge—replace sections near the home with metal fencing.
Gutter Covers: Gutter covers can prevent embers from finding a cozy spot on your home to smolder.

5. Develop an Emergency Plan

Create a Wildfire Action Plan: Plan evacuation routes, establish a meeting place, and prepare emergency supplies.
Sign Up for Alerts: Use Washington’s emergency notification system, AlertSense or Everbridge, to receive wildfire updates.
Defensible Space Assessments: Check with your local fire department for free or low-cost assessments of your property.

6. Shelter-in-Place Fire-Hardened Communities

As wildfires become more frequent and intense, some communities are taking proactive steps to create fire-hardened neighborhoods designed for sheltering in place. These developments are built with fire-resistant materials, defensible space, and strategically designed layouts that minimize fire risk. In Washington state, communities like Leavenworth and areas near the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are exploring such models. These neighborhoods feature wide roads for firetruck access, communal water resources for firefighting, and underground power lines to prevent fire-starting sparks. Residents work collectively to maintain fire-resistant landscaping and adhere to strict building codes that prioritize safety. By building and retrofitting homes in fire-prone areas with these features, entire communities can significantly improve their resilience against wildfires.

Washington State Fire-Resilience Resources

Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildfire Prevention: www.dnr.wa.gov/wildfire
Firewise USA Program: www.nfpa.org/firewise
Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Preparedness Program: www.wildlandfirersg.org

Fire-hardening your home is a crucial step in protecting your property and loved ones. By implementing these strategies and utilizing these resources, you can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire damage. Stay prepared and stay safe.