Wildfire Home Hardening

Goal: Create a non-combustible buffer right next to the home to enhance wildfire protection zones. Begin by removing all flammable vegetation, mulch, and debris. Instead of using wood mulch, opt for hardscape materials like gravel, concrete, or pavers to promote fire resilient landscaping. For fencing, use non-combustible materials such as metal or masonry for the first five feet attached to the home. To further implement home hardening techniques, install gutter guards to minimize combustible leaf build-up and ember-resistant venting to prevent embers from igniting the attic. Additionally, box in eaves to reduce heat build-up and consider installing roof sprinklers.

Goal: Implement fire resilient landscaping to reduce fuel load and slow fire spread toward the structure. 

Trim trees to keep branches at least 6-10 feet off the ground, maintaining proper spacing between trees and the structure for effective wildfire protection zones. Move storage sheds away from the home and ensure under deck enclosures are in place to prevent ignition from beneath the deck. Separate landscape shrubs and bushes to further reduce fire spread. To prevent canopy fires from jumping between tree tops, trim or remove trees as necessary. Lastly, clear a minimum 10-foot radius around propane tanks, sheds, and outbuildings as part of essential home hardening techniques.

Goal: Break up fuel continuity and reduce the intensity of fire through effective fire resilient landscaping. 

Thin out dense vegetation and remove ladder fuels with brush cutting and mastication. This will help create vertical and horizontal spacing between trees and brush to disrupt fire paths, enhancing wildfire protection zones. 

Install access roads for fire personnel and equipment, eliminate dead or fallen trees, and implement home hardening techniques. Additionally, install outdoor water faucets or hose bibs to enable quick firefighting access, and consider installing water storage tanks.