Research around home destruction versus home survival in wildfires point to embers and small flames as the main way that the majority of homes ignite in wildfires. Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind and can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris and other objects, according to https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire.

Methods for homeowners to prepare their homes to withstand ember attacks and minimize the likelihood of flames include the following: Experiments, models, and post-fire studies have shown homes ignited because of the condition of the home and everything around it up to 200 feet from the foundation. This is called the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ).

Before a wildfire threatens your area in and around your home:

Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.

Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house.

Learn more about the basics of defensible space on the Firewise website, at firewise.org.

Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck, or porch.

Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are six to 10 feet from the ground.

Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfires.

Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.

Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.

Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.

Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.

Learn more about how to protect your home and property at www.firewise.org.

Home owners can also go to Wildfire Partners, https://wildfirepartners.org/, which is a wildfire mitigation program to help mountain and foothills homeowners in Boulder County prepare for wildfire. Wildfire Partners, part of Boulder County’s Community Planning & Permit Department, is a nationally recognized model for wildfire mitigation that is incorporated into Boulder County’s building code. They provide education on how to mitigate your home against the threat of wildfires.

Upon acceptance to their program, a mitigation specialist will visit your property to do an assessment. They will send you a comprehensive report recommending actions to take. Upon completion of these required items, you will receive certification that can be used as proof of mitigation for insurance purposes.

In your community:

Contact your local planning/zoning

office to find out if your home is in a high wildfire risk area, and if there are specific local or county ordinances you should be following.

If you are part of a homeowner association, work with them to identify regulations that incorporate proven preparedness landscaping, home design, and proper building material.

Talk to your local fire department about how to prepare, when to evacuate, and the response you and your neighbors can expect in the event of a wildfire.

Learn about wildfire risk reduction efforts, including how land management agencies use prescribed fires to manage local landscapes.

Learn how you can make a positive difference in your community.

Creating an emergency plan:

Assemble an emergency supply kit and place it in a safe spot. Remember to include important documents, medications, and personal identification.

Develop an emergency evacuation plan and practice it with everyone in your home.

Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place with members of your family.

Learn more about emergency preparedness planning on NFPA’s emergency planning webpage, https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Preparedness/Emergency-Preparedness.

If there is a wildfire in your area:

Michele Steinberg of NFPA’s Wildland Fire Operations Division provides tips to help keep homes from igniting in a wildfire.

Stay aware of the latest news and updates from your local media and fire department. Get your family, home, and pets prepared to evacuate.

Place your emergency supply kit and other valuables in your vehicle.

Move patio or deck furniture, cushions, door mats, and potted plants in wooden containers either indoors or as far away from the home, shed, and garage as possible.

Close and protect your home’s openings, including attic and basement doors and vents, windows, garage doors, and pet doors to prevent embers from penetrating your home.

Connect garden hoses and fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water. Firefighters have been known to use the hoses to put out fires on rooftops.

Leave as early as possible, ideally before you’re told to evacuate. Do not linger once evacuation orders have been given. Promptly leaving your home and neighborhood clears roads for firefighters to get equipment in place to fight the fire, and helps ensure residents’ safety.

After a wildfire has been contained:

Continue to listen to news updates for information about the fire. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

Visit FEMA/Ready.gov for more information regarding wildfire after an emergency.