As extreme wildfires become more frequent and intense, homeowners need to take immediate, manageable steps to protect their homes. The research is clear — most homes don't ignite from direct flame contact. They ignite from embers that land on vulnerable surfaces and openings. That's why the upgrades you make to your roof, windows, soffits, and the ground around your home matter more than most people realize.
The Wildfire Prepared Home program takes a systems-based approach and addresses three vulnerable areas of a home — the roof, specific building features, and defensible space — to meaningfully reduce wildfire risk. On the roof, a Class A fire-rated material is essential — it's your home's largest surface and the first target for falling embers. Soffits and vents are equally critical; open or unprotected soffits act like a chimney, pulling embers and flames directly into your attic. Upgrading to flame- and ember-resistant vents, along with sealed soffits, closes off that entry point entirely. Tempered or dual-pane windows add another layer of protection by resisting shattering under intense radiant heat.
A key element in effective wildfire mitigation is the 0–5 Foot Noncombustible Zone — often referred to as Zone 0. As seen in recent major wildfire events, this area is critical in stopping ignition from embers and flames near the home. That means removing all combustible materials, dead plants, and dry vegetation from the immediate perimeter of your structure. Beyond that, maintaining defensible space — clearing brush and flammable vegetation further out — eliminates the fuel ladder that carries fire from the ground straight to your home. On the fireground, this is one of the first things we assessed when deciding whether a structure was defendable.
The Wildfire Prepared Home designation program empowers homeowners to take science-based, proven steps to meaningfully reduce wildfire risk to their home and property. The program features two levels — a base level covering fundamental ember and ignition protection, and a plus level with enhanced defense against direct flame and radiant heat. Homeowners can get started by reviewing the free How-To Prepare My Home Checklist at wildfireprepared.org, which walks you through every required step. Don't wait for fire season to find out if your home is ready.
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