Protect Your Property From Wildfires

Wildfires may seem rare, but they do happen. Before a wildfire strikes, there are measures you can take to reduce danger to homes and businesses. Keep these fire awareness tips top of mind to take proactive steps to protect your home or business from the unexpected.

Defend Your Structures against Wildfires

Wildfires often spread to homes and buildings when burning debris is carried by wind and falls on roofs.

• When building a new structure or replacing non fire-resistant asphalt shingles or wood shakes, consider fire-resistant materials such as slate, tile or standing-seam metal roofing. Roof coverings are rated as Class A, B or C. A Class A fire-rated roof covering offers the best protection, so consider prioritizing your roof covering with Class A fire-rated products. Also consider using noncombustible siding or coating.
• Keep roof and gutters clear of leaves, pine needles and branches. Additionally, install a drip edge at the roof edge to protect any exposed roof sheathing or fascia.
• Ensure eves and roof vents have a fine mesh screen to cover openings.
• Clear trees from the roof of all structures.

What Is Defensible Space?

A building’s ability to survive a wildfire is based on its roofing material and the quality of the “defensible space” surrounding it. Your defensible space is comprised of these three zones. The selection and maintenance of vegetation and other combustible items in these zones will determine how effective your defensible space will be if a wildfire reaches your property. Defensive space also provides room for firefighters if a fire approaches a structure.

Develop defensible space around each building by establishing the three zones.