Seven tips to help keep homes from igniting in a wildfire

FALLBROOK – While wildfires continue to burn actively across the west, they don’t have to burn everything in their path. In fact, clearing property of debris and maintaining a home’s landscaping can make a significant difference in reducing the risk for wildfire damage.

As wildfires continue to receive news coverage this season, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) strongly encourages education regarding the ways residents can increase their safety, and improve their home’s likelihood of surviving a wildfire.

The following action steps are aimed at homeowners to help protect their homes in the event of a wildfire in their area:

1. Clear off pine needles, dead leaves and anything that can burn from rooflines, gutters, decks, porches, patios and along fence lines. Falling embers will have nothing to burn.
2. Collect and store away things like furniture cushions, rattan mats, potted plants and other decorations from decks, porches and patios. These items catch embers and will help ignite a home if they are left outside.
3. Wind-borne embers can get into homes easily through vents and other openings and burn homes from the inside out. Take a walk around the house to see what openings can be screened or temporarily sealed up.
4. Embers landing in mulch that touches a house, deck or fence are a big fire hazard. Rake out any landscaping mulch to at least five feet away from the home.
5. Trim back any shrubs or tree branches that come closer than 5 feet to the house, attachments, and any overhanging branches.
6. Take a walk around the house and remove anything within 30 feet that could burn, such as woodpiles, spare lumber, vehicles and boats – anything that can act as a large fuel source.
7. If ordered to evacuate, make sure all windows and doors are

closed tightly, and seal up any pet doors. Many homes are destroyed by embers entering these openings.