Homes in or near forests face two main threats in a wildfire: wind blown embers and radiant heat. Most house losses start with tiny embers that find a weak point. Good design blocks embers first, then reduces heat exposure. The goal is simple. Keep flames and embers away, and if they arrive, give the house nothing easy to burn.

Plan the site for safety

Place the home on a clear, level pad with driveways wide enough for emergency access. Shape the land to slow fire with paths, patios, and open gravel areas. Store firewood, gas bottles, and outdoor gear well away from walls. Space out any trees so crowns do not touch, and prune lower branches to lift them off the ground.

Create strong defensible zones

Think in three rings. Near the house, use hard surfaces like gravel, stone, or packed soil. Keep garden beds low and tidy. From 5 to 30 meters, mix open lawn with widely spaced trees and low flammability plants, keeping leaves and dry matter to a minimum. Beyond that, thin understory growth to lower flame height and slow spread.

Choose a roof that rejects embers

A sealed metal roof is the gold standard. If you use tiles, add a solid underlayment and close gaps at ridges and eaves. Fit metal gutter guards and design downspouts to avoid leaf build up. Keep roof lines simple so there are fewer pockets where embers can land.

Wrap the house in non combustible skin

Cladding in fiber cement, metal, stucco, or treated masonry performs well. Continue that logic down to the ground with a concrete or metal base that avoids exposed wooden edges. Keep decks and stairs out of direct contact with the main walls or build them in steel, concrete, or dense, fire rated wood.

Harden windows, doors, and vents

Use dual pane, tempered glass, which resists heat far better than single pane. Fit tight seals on doors, and choose metal frames where possible. Cover all vents with fine metal mesh to stop embers. If you have gable ends, consider baffled vents that allow airflow without a straight path for sparks.

Design decks and underfloor spaces wisely

Most embers gather below decks. Use a solid surface or closely spaced boards that do not trap embers. Enclose the underside with non combustible skirting and keep it clean. Replace plastic screens with metal ones. Avoid storing anything flammable under the house.

Landscape for low flame and easy care

Pick plants with high moisture leaves and low oil content. Keep them green with drip lines. Use gravel bands around beds to break up fuel. Rake leaves often, especially in late summer. Place a few hose reels on opposite sides of the home so water is always within reach.

Water, power, and backup plans

Add roof rainwater capture and keep a dedicated tank with a fire rated pump and metal fittings. Install exterior taps and a simple sprinkler line for wetting down vulnerable spots. A small generator or battery keeps pumps and lights running if the grid goes out.

Maintain and practice

Set a seasonal checklist for gutters, vents, decks, and the first 30 meters around the home. Share maps, access codes, and water points with neighbors. Design gives you time. Care and practice turn that time into safety.

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