Wildfires can strike anytime —
so let’s get you prepared
Take our quiz
to assess your wildfire preparedness
Understand what you need to do to achieve the Wildfire Prepared Home standards.
Make a plan
to make necessary adjustments
Take preventative measures for your home and yard to reduce your wildfire risk.
Investing in your home
Just as every home is different, so is the cost of making your home more resistant to wildfire. In its detailed report that analyzed nationwide data from the construction industry, as well as local California building contractors, Headwaters Economics estimates it costs $2,000 – $15,000 to retrofit an existing home with baseline upgrades — and explains costs can be higher depending on the home and the lot.
Here are rough estimates for key items to protect your home:
Lower cost
- Regularly clear debris from roof and gutters
- Install ember-resistant vents
- Keep area under decks free of vegetation and any stored items
- Clear vegetation, wood mulches and tree branches within five feet of the home’s exterior
- Move wood piles indoors or more than 30 feet from the home
Medium cost
- Replace vinyl gutters with metal gutters
- Install noncombustible siding within six inches of a deck or the ground
- Vertically screen decks with less than four feet of ground clearance
- Replace wood or vinyl fencing within five feet of home
- Remove a large tree within five feet of home
Higher cost
- Upgrade to a Class A fire-rated roof (>90% of California homes already have)
Helpful resources
for grants & funding
Contact your local Fire Safe Council, Firewise community, or fire agency to learn what may be available in your area.
Fire Safe Council
Grassroots, community-led organizations that mobilize residents to protect their homes, communities, and environments from catastrophic wildfire.
Firewise USA®
The Firewise USA® program, led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), offers a structured approach for communities to enhance their wildfire resilience in California.
As we experience more intense, wind-driven fires that are extending into suburban areas year-round, hardening your home and clearing vegetation around your home are critical investments that can absolutely make a difference. By making changes to your landscaping and home, you are giving firefighters a fighting chance to save your home.
Resilience stories
