Now’s The Time For Clients To Think About Wildfire Threat

By Adam Graham

Wildfire is a constant threat to thousands of homes in many regions of the country each year. Due to the spontaneous nature of wildfire and its ability to spread not only through the natural environment, but also from home to home, homeowners must prepare for the worst-case scenario.

With the exception of 2019, the last several years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of structures destroyed by wildfire, meaning the threat would appear to only be getting worse.

I interviewed John Bailey, professor of silviculture and fire management at Oregon State University, and Randy Cowling, president of WASP Manufacturing, in order to understand the best ways to protect a home from being destroyed by wildfire.

In Which States Are Homes Most At Risk?

First, it’s useful to be aware of where the biggest threats are being faced. Using statistics gathered from Headwaters Economics, we can see that many states are affected by wildfire in some capacity. Yet the overwhelming majority of structures destroyed by wildfire have been in California, with 59,987 homes or buildings wiped out between 2005 and 2020, which is over 67% of all structures destroyed by wildfire across the country in the same time frame.

Texas (5,252), Oregon (4,363), Colorado (3,158) and Washington (2,559) round out the rest of the five most affected states. However, it is worth noting that many thousands of structures have been affected across a great number of states. August is the month when wildfires are often at their peak. As of August 2021, California fire officials reported there were already 465 homes destroyed and a massive 17,488 at risk, putting into perspective the rapidly increasing threat of wildfire.

How Do You Protect A Home?

The National Fire Protection Association has a checklist that homeowners should use to ensure their home is as well protected as possible. In order to avoid having a home destroyed by wildfire, homeowners are advised to take the necessary precautions. These precautions can include costly home improvements that involve replacing major structural features or more simple tasks such as cleaning and maintenance.

Clean and maintain the home's exterior cleaning and maintenance. Embers igniting flammable materials aid in the spread of fire. Removal of things such as leaves around the exterior and in the gutters, mulch, piles of firewood and any object that can catch fire easily will be a vital step in ensuring the home’s safety. No items should be left under decks or porches.

Replace and repair features. Any holes in roofing, such as missing shingles, should be repaired to keep embers from entering the attic space. If the home is not made with fire-resistant materials, it is advised to replace these parts completely. Cowling advises homeowners that “special attention should be paid to roofing material, ventilation and the design and layout of surrounding gardens.” Mesh coverings should be placed on vents to stop embers from entering.
Another major feature of the home that can be replaced is the siding. If the dwelling is made of wood or vinyl siding, it is worth considering flame-retardant alternatives, such as fiber cement or steel.

Landscaping

The exterior area of a home is a key factor in reducing the spread of fire. Therefore, experts suggest taking special care when it comes to landscaping. As Cowling pointed out, the layout of gardens is important. Trees should not be close to any structure and should be distant from other trees.

“The type of plantings is very important,” he added. “Eliminating cedars and other volatile shrubs and using plants and shrubs resistant to fire is of utmost importance. Prune limbs 10 feet from the ground on existing trees, and keep a space of at least 10 feet between mature trees and new plantings.”

Expert Advice For Communities

People can take many precautions when it comes to minimizing the risk of wildfires destroying their individual homes. However, one of the key ideas that Bailey of Oregon State promoted is that homeowners should work together as a community, especially those who live in houses on the edge of town or closest to fire-prone areas.

“If none of those houses catches fire with all the heat and embers flying, then the whole neighborhood and community is more likely to survive,” he said. Taking care that not only is your own home is safe and protected, but others are also, can play a major part in reducing wildfire destruction.

“It really speaks to the idea of neighbors talking about this stuff and helping each other — the most able helping others!” he added.

The Cost Is Worth Not Taking the Risk

Preparing a home to be less susceptible to wildfire destruction may not be cheap but may be worth it should disaster strike. Some projects may need to be carried out only once. These projects include things such as replacing siding, which carries a cost of anywhere between $7,500 and $22,500. Other projects, such as cleaning out gutters, should be done regularly.

When completed by a professional, the cost of gutter cleaning averages between $150 and $225.
Homeowners must factor in costs such as these when considering buying a home or making home improvements, especially when looking to buy or living in areas prone to wildfires. It is a necessity that could ultimately prove worthwhile when wildfire hits.