Wildfire Prevention

As a former firefighter, I've seen firsthand what separates homes that survive a wildfire from those that don't. Four upgrades make the biggest difference: tempered or dual-pane windows that won't shatter under heat, a Class A fire-rated roof to stop embers from igniting your home's most vulnerable surface, sealed soffits that block fire from being drawn straight into your attic, and cleared vegetation within 30 feet to eliminate the ladder that carries flames to your structure. These aren't just home improvement tips — they're the exact factors we assessed on the fireground when deciding if a home was defendable. Make these changes before fire season forces the question.