Flying embers can destroy homes up to a mile from a wildfire. “Harden” your home now before a fire starts by using ember-resistant building materials.

Recent post-fire assessments have concluded hardened structures had over three times the likelihood of surviving compared to non-hardened structures. Watch the video below demonstrating wind-blown embers to see how homes ignite during a wildfire.

Here are some ways to harden your home against wildfire:

Looking for financial assistance funding your home-hardening projects? Montecito Fire Department will reimburse property owners up to $10,000 for eligible and approved projects through the Home Hardening Assistance Program.

Roof

• The roof is the most vulnerable part of your home. Homes with wood or shingle roofs are at high risk of being destroyed during a wildfire. Build your roof or re-roof with materials such as composition, metal or tile. Block any spaces between the roof decking and covering to prevent embers from catching.

Vents
Vents on homes create openings for flying embers.

• Cover all vent openings with 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch metal mesh. Do not use fiberglass or plastic mesh because they can melt and burn.
• Protect vents in eaves or cornices with baffles to block embers (mesh is not enough).

Eaves and Soffits

• Eaves and soffits should be protected with ignition-resistant* or non-combustible materials.

Windows
Heat from a wildfire can cause windows to break even before the home ignites. This allows burning embers to enter and start fires inside. Single-paned and large windows are particularly vulnerable.

• Install dual-paned windows with one pane of tempered glass to reduce the chance of breakage in a fire.
• Consider limiting the size and number of windows that face large areas of vegetation.

Walls
Wood products, such as boards, panels or shingles, are common siding materials. However, they are combustible and not good choices for fire-prone areas.

• Build or remodel your walls with ignition resistant* building materials, such as stucco, fiber cement, wall siding, fire retardant, treated wood, or other approved materials.
• Be sure to extend materials from the foundation to the roof.

Decks
Surfaces within 10 feet of the building should be built with ignition-resistant*, non-combustible, or other approved materials.

• Ensure that all combustible items are removed from underneath your deck.

Rain Gutters

• Screen or enclose rain gutters to prevent accumulation of plant debris.

Patio Cover

• Use the same ignition-resistant* materials for patio coverings as a roof.

Chimney

• Cover your chimney and stovepipe outlets with a non-combustible screen. Use metal screen material with openings no smaller than 3/8-inch and no larger than 1/2-inch to prevent embers from escaping and igniting a fire.

Garage
Have a fire extinguisher and tools such as a shovel, rake, bucket, and hoe available for fire emergencies.

• Install weather stripping around and under the garage door to prevent embers from blowing in.
• Store all combustible and flammable liquids away from ignition sources.

Fences

• Consider using ignition-resistant* or non-combustible fence materials to protect your home during a wildfire.

Driveways and Access Roads
Driveways should be built and maintained in accordance with state and local codes to allow fire and emergency vehicles to reach your home. Consider maintaining access roads with a minimum of 10 feet of clearance on either side, allowing for two-way traffic.

• Ensure that all gates open inward and are wide enough to accommodate emergency equipment.
• Trim trees and shrubs overhanging the road to allow emergency vehicles to pass.

Address

• Make sure your address is clearly visible from the road.

Water Supply

• Consider having multiple garden hoses that are long enough to reach all areas of your home and other structures on your property. If you have a pool or well, consider getting a pump.

Useful Links

Fire Information Engine—Homeowner Wildfire Assessment 
University of California—Homeowner’s Wildfire Mitigation Guide 
*Ignition-resistant building materials are those that resist ignition or sustained burning when exposed to embers and small flames from wildfires. Examples of ignition-resistant materials include “non-combustible materials” that don’t burn, exterior grade fire-retardant-treated wood lumber, fire-retardant-treated wood shakes and shingles listed by the State Fire Marshal (SFM) and any material that has been tested in accordance with SFM Standard 12-7A-5.

Old Style Gable Vent

Upgraded Gable Vent

Old Style Soffit Ven

Upgraded Soffit Vent

The University of California Cooperative Extension has an excellent discussion of the various ember-resistant vents here. 
For more information please contact Maeve Juarez or Nic Elmquist at (805) 969-7762.