How to Protect Your Home From Wildfires

Summer brings longer days, outdoor gatherings, and time spent enjoying your home. It can also bring higher temperatures, dry conditions, and an increased risk of wildfires in many parts of the country. Taking a few proactive steps now can help reduce fire risks around your property and improve your family’s safety should an emergency occur.

Wildfire season can vary by region, but hot temperatures, drought conditions, and dry vegetation can increase fire risk throughout the year.

Many homeowners assume wildfire preparation only matters in heavily wooded or drought-prone areas. However, fires can spread quickly when dry vegetation, high temperatures, and accidental sparks come together. The reality is that fire can spread quickly when dry vegetation, high temperatures, and accidental sparks come together. That’s why it’s important to take steps to protect your home before an emergency occurs.

Creating defensible space, keeping your property clear of debris, and regularly maintaining your landscaping are some of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire risk. A little preparation today can go a long way toward helping protect your home and loved ones in the future.

Defensible space is the area between your home and nearby vegetation, such as trees, shrubs, and grass. By maintaining this space, homeowners can help slow the spread of wildfire and reduce the chances of flames or embers reaching their property. A well-maintained defensible space can also improve a firefighter’s ability to defend a home during a wildfire.

Defensible space is typically divided into three zones, each with its own maintenance priorities:

This area is the most important because it is closest to your home and most vulnerable to flying embers.

• Remove combustible materials near the home
• Use gravel, concrete, or pavers instead of combustible mulch
• Keep gutters, roofs, decks, and porches free of debris
• Store firewood and other flammable items away from this area

This zone focuses on reducing vegetation that could allow a fire to spread toward your home.

• Remove dead grass, weeds, leaves, and other vegetation
• Trim tree branches away from roofs and structures
• Space trees and shrubs apart to reduce the spread of flames
• Keep areas under decks and around outdoor structures clear

The goal of this zone is to slow a fire before it reaches the areas closest to your home.

• Keep grass mowed and well maintained
• Create space between trees, shrubs, and other vegetation
• Remove fallen branches, pinecones, leaves, and debris
• Regularly monitor the area for overgrowth or fire hazards

Creating defensible space is only part of wildfire prevention. Proper spacing between trees, shrubs, and other vegetation can further reduce the risk of fire spreading across your property. When plants are too close together, fire can spread more easily from one area to another.

Regularly trimming trees, removing dead branches, and keeping shrubs properly maintained can help reduce wildfire risks. Pay particular attention to vegetation growing near your home, roof, and other structures, as these areas are especially vulnerable to flying embers and fast-moving flames.

In addition to maintaining defensible space around your property, take time to review your homeowners insurance coverage. Understanding your policy, coverage limits, and deductibles before an emergency occurs can help you feel more prepared should unexpected damage happen.

Combined with a wildfire evacuation plan and regular property maintenance, the right coverage can provide added peace of mind throughout the summer season.

Protecting your home from wildfire risk does not have to be overwhelming. Simple steps such as clearing debris, maintaining defensible space, reviewing your insurance coverage, and preparing an emergency plan can make a meaningful difference. At RWM Home Loans, we believe homeownership is about more than finding the right mortgage. It is about helping homeowners protect and enjoy the place they call home for years to come.

Visit https://wildfirerisk.org or contact your local fire station for more tips and locally-based requirements.

Updated 8/20/2026