Wildfire and Your Home: Consider the Risks

Wildfire risk is based on several factors, including the likelihood and severity of wildfire, and the exposure and vulnerability of homes and communities.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • What are the conditions on my property? (Start from the house and work out!)
  • How “hard” is your home? (See the “House” section for more information)
  • The more questions you can answer “yes”, the lower your risk of home ignition:
    • Have you installed either 1/8” mesh over vents, or special California-approved vents for ember exclusion?
    • Are your windows double-paned?
    • Do you have non-flammable siding?
    • Do you have a Class A roof?
  • What steps should be taken working out into the landscape?
    • Has Zone 0 (0-5’) been implemented?
    • What are the conditions in Zone 1 (5-30’)?
    • Is the landscape maintained to reduce ignition risk?
  • What is the CAL FIRE hazard severity designation near your home: Very High, High, Moderate? What is the proximity of your home to wildlands?
  • What is the topography around your home and how will it influence fire behavior? Fire science is discussed here.
  • What are the resources and conditions in my neighborhood?

Each individual must assess their own personal risk and tolerance, but your risk decisions intersect with those of your neighbors!

Resources:
Understand Risk (US Forest Service, Wildfire Risk to Communities, 2022)
Explore Risk (US Forest Service, Wildfire Risk to Communities, 2022
Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps (CAL FIRE)

Sonoma Ecology Center works to address challenges related to water supply and quality, open space, rural character, biodiversity, energy, climate change, and a better quality of life for all residents.

https://sonomaecologycenter.org/

The UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County has been extending educational outreach and providing technical assistance to home gardeners since 1981.

https://sonomamg.ucanr.edu/

The mission of the Habitat Corridor Project is to create and promote California native plant restoration gardens in the urban environment.

http://habitatcorridorproject.org/

The primary objective and purpose of FireSafe Sonoma is to provide education, exchange information and foster fire prevention and fire safety within the County of Sonoma.

https://www.firesafesonoma.org/

Sonoma Ecology Center works to address challenges related to water supply and quality, open space, rural character, biodiversity, energy, climate change, and a better quality of life for all residents.

https://sonomaecologycenter.org/

The UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County has been extending educational outreach and providing technical assistance to home gardeners since 1981.

https://sonomamg.ucanr.edu/

The mission of the Habitat Corridor Project is to create and promote California native plant restoration gardens in the urban environment.

http://habitatcorridorproject.org/

The primary objective and purpose of FireSafe Sonoma is to provide education, exchange information and foster fire prevention and fire safety within the County of Sonoma.

https://www.firesafesonoma.org/

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