Best Practices for Reducing Wildfire Risk Around Your Home or Business

As wildfires become more frequent and severe in many parts of the country, it's more important than ever to take proactive steps to safeguard your home or business property. While insurance can help you recover financially, prevention remains the most effective tool to protect your investment, reduce potential losses, and even save lives.

Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner, here are some proven best practices to reduce your wildfire risk—ranging from routine maintenance to more advanced mitigation strategies.

🔥 Start with the Basics: Defensible Space and Routine Maintenance

Creating and maintaining defensible space around your property is the single most effective way to reduce wildfire risk.

1. Clear the First 5 Feet (Immediate Zone)

This zone is your most critical line of defense:

• Remove all flammable vegetation and materials (wood piles, mulch, dead plants).

• Use non-combustible landscaping materials like gravel, stone, or hardscape.

• Clean gutters and roofs regularly to prevent dry leaf buildup.

• Replace wood fencing that connects to structures with metal or masonry sections.

2. Maintain the 5–30 Foot Zone (Intermediate Zone)

This area helps slow down and redirect fire:

• Trim tree branches at least 6–10 feet off the ground.

• Space trees and shrubs to prevent a continuous path of fuel.

• Keep lawns green and mowed to a height of less than 4 inches.

• Store firewood and other combustibles at least 30 feet away from structures.

3. Extend Protection to 30–100 Feet (Extended Zone)

This zone helps reduce heat and embers:

• Thin and space trees to avoid overlapping canopies.

• Remove dead trees, fallen branches, and heavy accumulations of leaf litter.

• Maintain access roads and driveways for emergency vehicles.

🧰 Advanced Risk Reduction Tactics

Once the basics are in place, consider these more advanced steps for long-term protection and resilience.

4. Upgrade to Fire-Resistant Building Materials

• Use Class A fire-rated roofing materials like metal, tile, or asphalt shingles.

• Install ember-resistant vents and cover openings with 1/8-inch metal mesh.

• Replace wood siding with fiber cement, stucco, or other non-combustible materials.

• Use dual-pane, tempered glass windows to resist heat and breakage.

5. Install Fire-Resistant Landscaping

• Choose low-resin, high-moisture plants like agave, rockrose, or lavender.

• Avoid highly flammable species such as juniper, pine, and eucalyptus.

• Incorporate firebreaks such as gravel paths, patios, or stone walls into your landscaping.

6. Consider Fire-Smart Systems

• Install outdoor sprinkler systems that can wet down the structure and surrounding areas.

• Use fireproof storage for critical documents and high-value items.

• Invest in an ember protection system for vents and other vulnerable areas.

🏢 For Business Owners: Additional Considerations

In addition to the practices above, business owners should also:

• Develop a wildfire emergency plan, including evacuation procedures for staff and customers.

• Backup business-critical data offsite or on the cloud.

• Ensure insurance coverage is up to date and includes business interruption protection.

• Train staff on fire extinguisher use and fire drill protocols.

• Secure outdoor inventory and equipment or store it in fire-resistant structures.

✅ Final Thoughts

Wildfires don't just threaten rural properties anymore—they're encroaching into suburbs and even urban areas. Proactively managing your property's wildfire risk not only improves safety but can also result in lower insurance premiums and faster claims resolution.

By combining regular maintenance with smart upgrades, you can make your home or business far more defensible against wildfires. If you're unsure where to start, consider reaching out to your local fire authority or a certified wildfire mitigation specialist for a risk assessment.

Need help reviewing your insurance policy or understanding your wildfire coverage? Contact our team today—we're here to help you protect what matters most.