Fire Rebuilding

Protecting Your Home & Community Moving Forward

Designing a fire-resistant home is a crucial first step in wildfire preparedness. However, ongoing maintenance and proactive strategies are equally essential to keeping you, your loved ones, and your community safe. From creating defensible outdoor spaces to engaging with local fire-preparedness initiatives, there are many ways you can help build a safer, more resilient neighborhood.

Here are five key steps you can take to improve the fire resistance of your home and contribute to a more fire-conscious community.

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Fire Prevention

Create a Defensible Outdoor Space

One of the most effective ways to safeguard your home and neighborhood is by establishing a defensible perimeter around your property. This approach involves three key zones, each designed to slow fire spread and minimize damage.

Zone 0 (0–5 feet):
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The Ember-Resistant Zone

This is the most critical area to maintain. Keep it clear of combustible materials such as wood mulch, patio furniture, and dry vegetation. Homeowners should also routinely remove dead leaves, debris, and anything that could ignite near your home’s foundation, deck, or garage.

Zone 1 (5–30 feet):
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Lean, Clean, and Green Zone

This area includes much of your yard. Focus on strategic plant selection and spacing, ensuring trees are trimmed, and vegetation is well-maintained. Space shrubs at least twice their height apart and keep tree canopies at least 10 feet from your home and each other.

Zone 2 (30–100 feet):
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The Reduce Fuel Zone

This is your outermost layer of defense. Minimize potential fire fuel by keeping woodpiles, sheds, and LPG tanks at least 10 feet apart from other structures. Thin tree canopies and prune branches to prevent fire from climbing upwards.

Additionally, we recommend adopting other best practices for defensible space, including installing a drip irrigation system for efficient watering, using non-combustible mulch near your home, and replacing wood fencing with fire-resistant alternatives near structures.

Moving Forward

Perform Seasonal Maintenance

Routine yard maintenance is essential to keeping plants, trees, and landscaping fire-safe, with each season presenting unique maintenance opportunities that help reduce wildfire risks.

Winter

This is the perfect time to assess tree health and remove dead or diseased trees and underbrush.

Spring

Prune branches, remove debris, and plant fire-resistant trees and shrubs in spring. Water trees sparingly to prevent excess growth before summer.

Summer

Stay vigilant by regularly clearing dry vegetation, trimming trees, and removing overgrown plants. Exercise caution with outdoor equipment to prevent accidental sparks.

Fall

Take advantage of cooler temperatures and rainfall to plant new trees and reinforce erosion control measures.

By proactively maintaining your landscape, you can prevent vegetation from becoming hazardous fuel for wildfires.

Moving Forward

Choose Fire-Resistant Plants

While selecting plants for your landscape, it’s important to prioritize fire-resistant species. The best plants for fire-prone areas meet the following criteria:

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Moisture Retention

Plants with high water content, like succulents and hardwood trees, are less likely to ignite.

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Minimal Shedding

Avoid species that frequently drop dry leaves, bark, or needles.

Close-up of dense green juniper branches with needle-like leaves. The foliage spreads out over a bed of small rocks and pebbles, creating a textured and natural garden scene.

Low Flammability

Plants with excessive oils, waxes, or resin—such as junipers, eucalyptus, and pine—are highly flammable. Keep them away from structures.

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Slow Growth

Fast-growing plants may require frequent pruning to prevent overgrowth and fire hazards.

Native plants suited to your climate are often the best option, as they require less water and maintenance while providing natural fire resistance.

Join or Start a Firewise Community

Fire safety extends beyond individual homes—community-wide efforts play a significant role in reducing wildfire risks. The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Firewise USA® program helps neighborhoods work together to mitigate fire hazards.

By joining or starting a Firewise community, you can collaborate with neighbors, fire departments, and local officials to:

Fire danger rating sign with a gauge pointing to Very High (25-49). The scale ranges from Low/Moderate to Catastrophic, marked by different colors. Background shows blurred vegetation.

Conduct wildfire risk assessments in your area.

Wooden sign in a grassy field with trees in the background. The sign reads HELP PREVENT WILDFIRES in white letters.

Participate in fire prevention education and training.

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Organize community-wide clean-up efforts to remove fire-prone vegetation.

A road sign indicating a Wildfire Evacuation Route with an arrow pointing straight ahead. The road is empty and lined with trees, some with bare branches. The scene suggests a rural area with an emphasis on safety and preparedness.

Advocate for fire-safe building codes and emergency preparedness policies.

Taking collective action strengthens neighborhood resilience and fosters a culture of fire preparedness, protecting you, your loved ones, and your community for the long run.

Make a Wildfire Action Plan

Even with preventative measures in place, wildfires remain unpredictable. A wildfire action plan ensures that you and your household are prepared to evacuate safely if needed. Your wildfire action plan should include:

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A Pre-Determined Meeting Location

Choose a safe, easily accessible spot where all household members can reunite if separated.

Stairwell filled with smoke and visible flames near a door. A fire extinguisher is mounted on the wall. An emergency exit sign is displayed on the stair rail. White walls and wooden handrails are visible in the scene.
Mapped Escape Routes

Identify multiple exit routes from your home and community. Ensure every household member is familiar with these paths.

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Temporary Shelter Arrangements

If you have large animals or livestock, plan for an emergency shelter in case they cannot be transported with you.

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A Designated Emergency Contact

Assign a primary contact person who will check in with all household members and coordinate information if you are separated.

Moving Forward

Wildfire Action Plan

Additionally, keep important documents, valuables, and emergency essentials in an easy-to-access location, including:

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Important Documents

Family records, passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies.

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Irreplaceable Items

Family photos, backup drives, and irreplaceable memorabilia.

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Necessities

Cash, credit cards, and identification documents.

An assortment of emergency preparedness items including a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, large water bottle, flashlight, notebook, fan, tools, and a car tire. All items are arranged neatly on a dark surface.

Supplies

A well-stocked emergency kit with a fire extinguisher, first aid supplies, water, and extra clothing.

To further enhance safety, consider storing go-bags in your home and vehicle, keeping a portable radio or scanner for real-time updates, and coordinating with neighbors for additional support.

Rebuilding after a wildfire is only the beginning—ongoing maintenance and preparedness are key to long-term resilience. By creating defensible spaces, selecting fire-resistant materials, maintaining your landscape, and engaging with your community, you can significantly reduce wildfire risks and protect what matters most.

Fire preparedness is a shared responsibility. Taking proactive steps today can make all the difference in ensuring a safer, more fire-resilient future for your home and neighborhood.

Client Testimonials

Testimonials

At DC Structures, nothing matters more to our team than supporting our clients through challenging circumstances. Hear from homeowners who have faced the devastation of wildfires and discover why they trusted us to bring their vision for a new home to life.

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