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Wildfire Preparedness Checklist

A comprehensive checklist with 50+ actionable items to help you create defensible space, harden your home, and prepare for wildfire season.

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Zone 0: Immediate Zone (0-5 feet)

Create an ember-resistant zone directly around your home

Remove all dead plants and debris from this zone
Replace organic mulch with gravel or other non-combustible materials
Ensure no combustible items (furniture, planters) are against the structure
Clean debris from roof, gutters, and downspouts
Repair or replace any damaged or missing shingles or roof tiles
Cover or screen all openings at eaves, soffits, and fascia
Install ember-resistant vents (1/8-inch mesh minimum)
Move firewood, lumber, and propane tanks outside this zone
Trim tree branches at least 10 feet from chimney outlet

Zone 1: Lean, Clean & Green (5-30 feet)

Reduce fire intensity near your home with proper spacing and maintenance

Remove all dead and dying plants, weeds, and vegetation
Mow grass to 4 inches or shorter
Create horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees
Remove branches within 6 feet of the ground (limb up trees)
Space trees at least 10 feet apart (crown to crown)
Remove ladder fuels that allow fire to climb into tree canopy
Keep trees and shrubs pruned and maintained
Remove any branches overhanging your roof
Clear vegetation around propane tanks and outbuildings

Zone 2: Reduced Fuel Zone (30-100 feet)

Create a buffer zone that slows fire approach to your property

Cut annual grasses to maximum 4-inch height
Create horizontal spacing between shrubs (varies with slope)
Remove dead wood, fallen leaves, and pine needles
Space trees at least 10 feet apart (crown to crown)
Remove lower branches up to 6 feet from ground
Create fuel breaks along driveways and property lines
Remove dead and dying trees
Keep storage sheds and outbuildings cleared of debris

Home Hardening Checklist

Structural improvements to make your home more fire-resistant

Install Class A fire-rated roofing material
Replace wood shake siding with fire-resistant materials
Install dual-pane tempered glass windows
Replace all vents with ember-resistant designs
Install metal drip edge flashing on roof
Enclose eaves with fire-resistant materials
Use fire-resistant composite decking
Install weather stripping on garage door
Screen deck undersides to prevent ember accumulation
Create non-combustible surface around deck posts
Install spark arrestor on chimney
Ensure address is clearly visible for emergency responders

Emergency Preparedness

Be ready to evacuate safely when needed

Create and practice a family evacuation plan
Identify two evacuation routes from your neighborhood
Prepare a go-bag with essentials (72 hours minimum)
Gather important documents in a fireproof container
Sign up for local emergency alerts
Keep vehicle fuel tank at least half full during fire season
Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity
Create a list of items to grab if time permits
Photograph or video home contents for insurance purposes
Keep a fire extinguisher in the house and know how to use it

Additional Resources

CAL FIRE Guide

Official defensible space requirements and guidelines

Home Hardening Guide

Detailed instructions for structural improvements

Evacuation Planning

Template for creating your family evacuation plan

Need Help Completing Your Checklist?

Our team can assess your property, identify the most critical items, and create a prioritized action plan that fits your budget and timeline.

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Or call us at(541) 937-9287

Professional wildfire mitigation and home hardening services. Protecting homes, improving defensibility, and keeping you insurance-ready.

(541) 937-9287 info@emberline.com

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