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Zone 1 - The Home

Zone 1 is the most important wildfire prevention area. It includes your home and the first 5 feet around the foundation, decks, stairs, and attached structures.

Start here because embers can collect in small gaps, debris, mulch, deck spaces, vents, and other areas close to the home.

Home Ignition Zone

Zone 1: Start With the Home

Walk around your home and look for places where embers could enter, collect, or ignite flammable materials.

Distance 0 to 5 feet from the home
Priority Highest priority zone
Main goal Keep embers from finding fuel

Check the Home First

Walls and Siding

  • Look for cracks, gaps, and openings in siding, trim, and around windows.
  • Seal small gaps with exterior caulk where appropriate.
  • Repair damaged siding or trim that could catch embers.
Caulking the side of a window

Decks

  • Remove leaves, pine needles, and debris from deck boards and framing.
  • Check for weathered boards, large cracks, or decayed material.
  • Move cushions, welcome mats, planters, hammocks, and other flammable items away when wildfire risk is high.
  • Do not store firewood or flammable materials under decks.

Windows and Doors

  • Check for cracks, gaps, and debris between screens and windows.
  • Clean debris from window wells and screen areas.
  • Consider upgrading single-pane windows to multi-pane windows when possible.
  • If you evacuate, close all windows and doors.

Eaves, Gables, and Vents

  • Check eaves and gables for cracks, gaps, and openings.
  • Caulk or repair openings where embers could enter.
  • Replace 1/4-inch vent screening with 1/8-inch steel screening where practical.

Roof and Gutters

  • Clean leaves, pine needles, and debris from roofs and gutters.
  • Remove debris where roof sections, valleys, and gutters collect material.
  • Check that roof edges and shingles are maintained and repaired.

Conclusion

Once you have the home ready, the next step is the foundation and the first 5 feet around the home including under the deck. If an ember hits the home and can’t find a place to stay, it falls to the ground. If it falls on a non-combustible surface then it is no threat to your home. 
 

Clear the First 5 Feet

The first 5 feet around your home should be as noncombustible as possible. If embers fall near the foundation, they should land on a surface that does not easily burn.

Use fire-resistant surfaces

  • Use gravel, rock, pavers, concrete, or other noncombustible materials near the foundation.
  • Avoid bark mulch directly against the home.
  • Keep leaves, pine needles, and dry grass away from the foundation.

Under decks and stairs

  • Keep these areas clear of stored items.
  • Remove firewood, cardboard, cushions, tools, and other combustible materials.
  • Use noncombustible ground cover where possible.

Plants near the home

  • Choose well-spaced, maintained plants with higher moisture content.
  • Remove dead branches, dry leaves, and litter under shrubs.
  • Water and maintain plants regularly.
  • Keep plants trimmed away from siding, windows, vents, and decks.

Next Steps

Once Zone 1 is maintained, continue working outward to reduce wildfire risk around the rest of your property.

Page Last Updated: May 26, 2026