Wildfire Preparedness: Protecting Your Home and Family

During my years as a firefighter in Southern California, I've seen firsthand how wildfires transform from distant threats into large, sweeping emergencies in mere hours. This reality hits especially close to home as I write this—the same canyons and hillsides where I fought my first wildland fire near the Glendale, Pasadena area back in 1989 are once again threatening the same communities—including my family who is currently under evacuation warnings. The devastating combination of Santa Ana winds gusting up to 100 mph and dry conditions creates the perfect storm for catastrophic fires, just as it has for decades in Southern California and other fire-prone areas.



My experience fighting fires in these conditions has taught me crucial lessons about home protection. I've watched homes burn that could have been saved with basic preparation, and I've seen others survive intense fires because their owners took simple precautions. The reality is stark: wildfire seasons are longer and more intense than ever, affecting communities that, due to the passage of time, have put the risk of fire danger into the far recesses of their minds.



But here's what my experience on the frontlines has taught me: you can take practical steps to protect your home and family. While we can't prevent all wildfires, I've witnessed time and again how simple actions by homeowners significantly improve a home's chances of survival. Many homes lost to wildfire aren't consumed by walls of flame – they ignite from embers that land on leaves, wood piles, roofs, and flammable materials near the house. This key insight helps us focus on the fire prevention methods that matter.



This guide breaks down wildfire preparation into simple, manageable steps based on both my firefighting experience and proven research. You don't need to be a firefighter to make your home safer. Whether you have a weekend or several months to prepare, every positive change increases your home's resilience against wildfire. I'll walk you through exactly what you need to know, starting with the most important areas around your home and moving outward to create layers of protection.





By the time you finish reading, you'll understand:



Where your home is most vulnerable to wildfire

Which simple changes give you the biggest safety improvements

How to prepare your family for evacuation

What to do when wildfire threatens your area



Let's start with the most critical area around your home—what U.Sm Forest Services call the "Home Ignition Zone." I've seen this concept save homes repeatedly during my career, even in the face of the fierce Santa Ana winds that plague the region, and I'll show you exactly how to apply it to your property.

Understanding Your Home's Defense Zones (HIZ Made Simple)

Firefighters know that protecting your home from wildfire isn't about trying to stop an unstoppable wall of flame. It's about understanding and defending three critical zones around your house. Think of these zones as rings of protection, with your home at the center. Let me show you how to work with each one, starting with the most important.

The Immediate Zone (0-5 feet from your house) - Your Critical First Line of Defense

This zone is your home's front-line defense, and I can't emphasize its importance enough. During my years fighting fires, I've seen homes survive intense wildfires because their owners got this zone right, while their neighbors' homes burned because of simple oversights in this critical area.



Here's what you need to do in this zone:



Clear leaves, needles, and any dead vegetation from your roof and gutters

Remove dead plants, leaves, and mulch from around your foundation

Keep firewood and lumber FAR from your house (I recommend moving it to your extended zone)