Frequently asked questions

Although homes in wildfire situations can be ignited by embers, radiant heat from a nearby fire or direct flames, most wildfire ignitions are caused by embers. In fact, it’s estimated the majority of wildfire home ignitions are caused by wind-blown embers that can travel miles and will find your home’s vulnerabilities.

We suggest the following first steps:

• Create a 0–5-foot space around your entire home that has nothing that can burn. Remove bark mulch and any other vegetation, as well as any wooden fencing that leads to your home. For this space, bare ground, pavers or stone are all acceptable and can prevent embers from starting a fire next to your home. Research and real-life stories have shown that this is critical.
• Clear any debris on your roof or in your gutters. “Gutter guards” can be installed to reduce the need for manual debris removal.
• Every home has vents that help a home “breathe.” While usually a good thing, they can allow wind-blown embers to get into your home. Install fire-resistant vents or make sure your vents are covered with wire mesh that is 1/8 inch or less.
• Ensure there are no openings greater than 1/8 inch between your home and the outside where an ember can get inside. This includes sealing dryer vents and making sure the seals around your doors and garage door have no gaps.
• As your budget permits, keep working through the simple checklist of items listed in our quiz.

While not a guarantee, there is scientific evidence showing that making these changes will make your home more resistant to wildfire. Some insurers provide discounts to reward homeowners who take these steps.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) is a non-profit funded by the insurance industry to test home resiliency. IBHS builds structures at their facility in South Carolina and conducts wildfire tests. This video shows how a home that meets Wildfire Prepared Home™ standards manages the threat of wind-driven embers vs. a structure without the recommended features.

That’s okay—every step you take to reduce risk matters. Start with low-cost, high-impact actions like removing debris from your roof and gutters, creating a 0–5-foot noncombustible zone around your home, and sealing gaps that embers can enter. Our pathways (Low/Medium/High) are designed to help you take action based on your time, budget, and risk level.

Many of the recommendations—like clearing defensible space or sealing small gaps—can be DIY projects. Others, like replacing a roof or upgrading siding, may require a licensed contractor. Check each item in your pathway for guidance, and don’t hesitate to consult a professional when needed.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety and CSAA Insurance Group work with Madronus Wildfire Defense in California which works with various contractors. Other contractors and vendors can be found on the California Fire Safe Council website. Your local Firewise community may have recommendations too.

Some regions have a longer history of these extreme wildfires and discounts have been incorporated into policies that need to be reviewed and approved by state departments of insurance. That can take time. Other regions are newer to this growing risk.

Check out the Wildfire Prepared Home FAQs for additional information.

In addition to developing fire safety codes for buildings, the National Fire Protection Association manages the Firewise USA program, which guides and recognizes communities that reduce wildfire risk through group action. They provide a list of actions communities can take including hosting community meetings – and Firewise communities decide which actions to take.

Created by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), the Wildfire Prepared Home™ certification requires specific home hardening actions that are proven to reduce an individual home’s wildfire risk. There are two certification levels – Base and Plus. In March 2025, IBHS also announced their community-level standards and certification requirements.

They are both important and can complement each other, but they serve different purposes.

If you are ordered to evacuate immediately, do so. When you leave, close the garage door and all doors and windows.

If you are under an evacuation warning, prepare to evacuate by taking the following steps:

• Pack your “go bag” with items you will need while evacuated as well as important documents and any keepsakes or other items that are irreplaceable.
• Take steps around the outside of your home to increase its chance of survival should the fire reach your home. Remove everything combustible within five feet – garbage cans, plants, wood mulch, patio furniture and anything that can burn.
• If you still have time, move inside furniture toward the center of the room and away from windows.