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What is the Home Ignition Zone and Home Hardening?

The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) is a critical concept in wildfire preparedness. It encompasses the area around your house, extending up to 100 feet from the structure. Here’s what you need to know about the HIZ:

  1. Definition:

  • The HIZ includes both the home itself and the surrounding space.

  • It considers two key factors:

  • Potential of the structure to ignite: This involves making the house more fire-resistant.

  • Quality of defensible space: Creating a buffer zone to protect the home from wildfire.

  1. Actions within the HIZ:

  • Defensible Space: Cultivate this safety bubble around your home. It can:

  • Slow or stop the spread of wildfire.

  • Defend your house from fire and embers.

  • Protect firefighters working to save your home.

  1. Key Measures:

  • Vegetation Management: Remove flammable vegetation, dead plants, and debris.

  • Fire-Resistant Materials: Use non-combustible siding, roofing, and windows.

  • Clearance: Maintain space between trees, shrubs, and structures.

  • Ember-Resistant Vents: Install fine mesh screens on vents.

  • Defensible Space Zones:

  • Immediate Zone (0-5 feet): Use non-combustible materials.

  • Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet): Create spacing between plants.

  • Extended Zone (30-100 feet): Thin out vegetation and manage fuels.

  • Your Evacuation Route: Treat your driveway / property access to remove excess fuels. Make sure it is wide enough to accommodate your firefighter's equipment (15 ft wide and 15ft high)


Remember, proactive steps in the Home Ignition Zone can significantly enhance your home’s resilience against wildfires. Stay informed and take action to protect your property and loved ones.


Home hardening is a crucial step in protecting your property and loved ones from the devastating impact of wildfires. By implementing wildfire-resistant measures, you can significantly reduce the risk to your home. Here are some strategies for hardening your home against wildfires:

  1. Roofs and Chimneys:

  • Roofs: Consider using fire-resistant, Class A roofing materials such as fire-resistant shingles, metal, clay, or tile. These materials are less likely to ignite from flying embers.

  • Chimneys: Install spark arresters on chimneys to prevent embers from entering and igniting your home.

  1. Vents and Windows:

  • Vents: Cover attic and foundation vents with fine mesh metal screens to prevent embers from entering. Use ember-resistant vent designs.

  • Windows: Upgrade to dual-paned windows with one pane of tempered glass. Tempered glass is less likely to break during a fire.

  1. Walls and Decks:

  • Walls: Choose fire-resistant siding materials for your home’s exterior. Hardie board, stucco, or metal siding are good options.

  • Decks: Keep the area beneath decks clear of leaves, twigs, and other flammable debris. Install screening below decks that aren't easily accessed to prevent accumulation of combustible materials.

  1. Patio Covers and Eaves:

  • Patio Covers: Use fire-resistant materials for patio covers and eaves. Metal or non-combustible materials are preferable.

  • Eaves: Consider enclosing eaves with fire-resistant materials to prevent ember entry.

  1. Garages and Fences:

  • Garages: Seal gaps around garage doors to prevent ember intrusion. Install fire-resistant garage doors.

  • Fences: Use non-combustible or fire-resistant fencing materials. Maintain a defensible space around fences by clearing vegetation.

  1. Addresses and Driveways:

  • Ensure that your address is clearly visible from the street for emergency responders. A reflective address number sign is advised as it can be seen in smoke or at night.

  • Maintain driveways and access roads to allow fire trucks and other emergency vehicles easy access to your property.

  1. Rain Gutters and Water Supply:

  • Clean gutters regularly to remove leaves and debris that can ignite during a fire.

Remember that home hardening is not a one-time task. Regular maintenance and vigilance are essential to keep your home resilient against wildfires. Stay informed about local guidelines and resources to enhance your home’s protection.

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