In January 2025, Los Angeles experienced two devastating wildfires: the Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires. These fires burned 37,469 acres, claimed 29 lives, and affected over 18,000 structures. With both wildfires now fully contained, homeowners and business owners must decide how to rebuild and protect their investments against the growing threat of future wildfires. This is not only a concern for California; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that as climate change leads to hotter and drier conditions, the risk of wildfires will become more widespread across the United States.
You can’t always foresee when disaster will strike, but you can plan. More than ever, it’s crucial to have wildfire protection systems and strategies in place. Here are five measures to help safeguard your home or business if a blaze ignites.
Upgrade Your Fire Sprinklers
Following the recent wildfires in California, local authorities are exploring retrofitting older buildings with fire sprinkler systems. Investing in fire sprinklers is one of the most critical measures for wildfire protection. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire sprinklers effectively contain a fire nearly 95 percent of the time. When exposed to high temperatures, these systems automatically release pressurized water from ceiling- or wall-mounted sprinkler heads onto the flames. This helps prevent the fire from spreading out of control, minimizing overall damage.
Potential flooding should not be a concern as only the sprinkler heads nearest to the heat source activate to control water release. Additionally, some homeowners and businesses are installing rooftop sprinkler systems that emit biodegradable foam and water around the building exterior for enhanced protection against wildfires.
Create Defensible Spaces
According to the NFPA, small embers from burning wood, vegetation, or other flammable debris cause most structural damage during wildfire. Fortunately, you can reduce this risk by creating a defensible space around your home or business. This process involves removing all potentially combustible items from the exterior of the building. Here are some tips for creating and maintaining a defensible space:
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- Clean your roof, vents, and gutters to eliminate debris that can spark an ember.
- Replace lost or broken shingles on your roof to prevent embers from entering.
- Repair loose or broken window screens and look into resilient tempered glass panes.
- Screen any open areas beneath your patio or deck to prevent debris from accumulating.
- Irrigate your lawn for 30 minutes at least once weekly to ensure the grass won’t dry out.
- Remove flammable materials like plants, mulch, or leaves from the exterior walls.
- Plant trees 15–20 feet from the building so they won’t hang over the roof or windows.
Install Fire-Resistant Materials
Choosing fire-resistant construction materials whenever possible can significantly reduce the risk of your home or business catching fire. Many local building codes encourage or mandate using these materials in construction or renovation projects. Use fire-resistant materials like cement, plaster, or stucco to strengthen roofs, siding, windows, doors, and other structural elements. This approach can help protect your entire building from the threat of wildfires.
Develop a Clear Evacuation Plan
Establishing and communicating a clear evacuation plan to all building occupants is a crucial fire safety measure that could mean the difference between life and death. Consider the logistics necessary to ensure a safe evacuation, whether you are a homeowner or a business owner. Practice this plan with regular evacuation drills so everyone knows how to respond in an emergency.
Here are some essential factors to consider when developing your fire evacuation plan.
- Ensure all exit routes are free of obstructions and easily accessible
- Assist occupants with disabilities or limited mobility
- Coordinate a central meeting point for everyone following an evacuation
- Set up a reliable communication system to ensure everyone receives updates in the aftermath
Advocate for a Safer Community
As a community member, you have significant influence in advocating for stronger fire safety measures and infrastructure protocols at the grassroots level. Collaborate with local initiatives to develop fire-adapted community programs in schools, businesses, municipal offices, neighborhoods, and other public venues. These efforts will promote collaboration among residents, land management agencies, and local governments to reduce wildfire vulnerabilities. Check out this list of tools and resources to help start fire-adapted community strategies in your area.
Prepare Your Home or Business Before a Wildfire Begins
Effective wildfire protection systems integrate cutting-edge technologies and proactive safety strategies, enabling homeowners to feel secure amid the unpredictability of our changing climate. Whether you reside in an area already susceptible to wildfires or wish to take preventative measures as wildfire threats increase across the United States, investing time and effort into these essential action steps can make a significant difference.
