What are the primary threats to homes during a wildfire?

Living within City limits, we are not typically threatened by wildfires.  But after recent firestorms in California, it's very apparent that urban areas are also at great risk during a firestorm.  

Living with Wildfire Booklet for Santa Cruz County

Research around home destruction vs. 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 and/or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris and other objects.

Learn more from the Fire Safe Santa Cruz County Council 

General Guidelines for Structure Hardening Against Wildfire:

• Create adequate defensible space.
• Choose fire-resistant building materials.
• Keep gutters, roofs, and decks clear of needles, leaves, and other debris.
• Clear under your deck if the space underneath has any debris (man-made or natural).
• Place woodpiles and propane tanks away from buildings.
• Do not store tools, equipment, or junk piles adjacent to house.
• Ensure that if fences were to catch fire, they would not guide flames to your house.

This Home Hardening video presentation will help you learn important steps you can take to better protect your family, home, and community by making your home more resistant to wildfires. 

In fall 2019, the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County hosted a series of presentations on Home Hardening. Yana Valakovich, a noted expert in this burgeoning field, present important material to residents here in Santa Cruz County who are interested in making their homes more fire safe. She graciously allowed us to record her presentation to share with others interested in this topic.

Reduce your Wildfire Risk and become a Firewise Community

The Firewise USA Website of the NFPA provides Wildfire Risk Reduction Steps to make your home safer during a wildfire.

How To Prepare Your Home For Wildfires

Wildfire Preparation Worksheet and Emergency Evacuation Guide

A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing and Protecting Your Family, Pets and Property from the Threat of Wildfire. Including Evacuation Preparation and Safety Guidelines

NEW Requirements for Wildland Urban Interface Fire Areas

WUI Building Construction Requirements:

2019 California Fire Code, Chapter 49 & California Building Code, Chapter 7A

• Local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) established high fire hazard severity zone (CWPP)
• References 2019 California Building Code, Chapter 7A
• References California Residential Code, Section R327
• Applies to all new construction and all new materials used for remodels and construction.
• Includes fire or flame resistant roofing material, roof vent coverings/screens, exterior siding, skylights, windows, doors and decks
• Applies to accessory structures on the same property
• Fire exposure and acceptance criteria for fire resistance specified in SFM, NFPA, ASTM and/or UL

WUI Vegetation and Fuel Management Requirements:

2019 California Fire Code, Chapter 49 & Public Resource Code, Section 4291

• Local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) established high fire hazard severity zone (CWPP)
• References Public Resources Code, Section 4291
• Fuel management begins 100 feet from the structures(s) with the first 30 feet requiring the most intense management
• Remove trees/branches that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of chimney/stovepipe
• Maintain vegetation adjacent to overhanging of a building
• Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles or other vegetative materials

See WUI maps below to determine if your property is in a WUI zone.  If you still are not sure please email the Fire Prevention Technician.

 Is your property in the WUI?  Click Here For Map

Reference Santa Cruz Municipal Code 19.05.270 SECTION 4901.3 IS ADDED – REQUIREMENTS FOR WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE FIRE AREAS.