Simple Steps to Reduce Wildfire Risk Around Your Home

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive across North America. For homeowners living near wooded areas or natural landscapes, taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of fire damage.

Embers carried by wind can travel long distances and ignite homes, roofs, and nearby vegetation. By preparing your property in advance, you can help protect your home from flames, sparks, and airborne embers.

Roof and openings
If you’re replacing your roof, consider switching from wooden shingles to fire-resistant materials such as metal or other non-combustible roofing products. Sealing openings and gaps with fire-retardant materials can also help prevent embers from entering the structure.

Keep the roof clear
Regularly remove dead leaves, pine needles, and small branches from your roof. These materials can easily catch fire if embers land on them.

Install a chimney spark arrestor
Adding a spark arrestor made from approved materials, such as aluminum, to your chimney cap helps prevent sparks from escaping and igniting nearby areas.

Protect windows and skylights
Choose durable materials, such as double-glazed tempered glass, which is more heat-resistant. During wildfire warnings, keep windows closed to prevent embers from entering the home.

Secure vents and dryer exhausts
Install corrosion-resistant or ember-resistant screens on vents and dryer outlets. These barriers help prevent burning embers from entering the building.

Clean and maintain gutters
Gutters can easily collect flammable debris. Keep them clear of leaves and needles, and consider installing fire-resistant gutter guards.

Maintain exterior siding
Seal gaps around siding with caulking and keep at least eight inches of clearance between the ground and the siding to reduce fire exposure.

Keep the porch clear
Remove items that could easily ignite, such as newspapers, cardboard, or dry leaves, from your porch or entryway.

Vegetation near windows
During wildfire conditions, remove decorative plants and flower boxes directly beneath windows, as they can catch fire quickly.

Manage flower beds
Place flower beds at least five feet away from your home and remove dead plants regularly. Choose non-combustible mulch whenever possible.

Protect your vehicle
Keep vehicle windows closed and park inside a garage or as far away from the house as possible during fire threats.

Garage doors and bins
Close the garage door tightly after storing garbage and recycling bins, or keep bins away from the house.

Store firewood safely
Firewood should be stored at least 32 feet from your home to reduce the risk of flames spreading.

Don’t forget the backyard
Backyard spaces can also pose fire risks. Make sure nothing beneath or around your patio could easily ignite. Consider metal garden furniture and use fire-resistant covers for barbecues and outdoor equipment.

Preparing your property in advance can make a significant difference during wildfire season. Small preventative steps today can help protect your home, family, and community tomorrow.