Work outward from the house
Wildfire defense is mostly about the space immediately around what you're protecting. You manage it in rings.
- The first five feet should be the most fire-resistant zone — gravel, not bark mulch, and nothing flammable against the walls.
- Out to 30 feet, keep grass short, plants spaced, and dead material cleared.
- Out to 100 feet, thin brush and trees so fire can't ladder up and race in.
Embers start most house fires
Homes usually ignite from windblown embers, not a wall of flame. Close the gaps embers exploit.
- Screen vents with fine metal mesh so embers can't get inside.
- Keep roofs and gutters clear of leaves and needles.
- Use fire-resistant materials where you can, especially roof and siding.
Help can only help if it can reach you
Firefighters need to find you, get a truck in, and find water.
- Keep your driveway wide and clear enough for an engine to pass and turn around.
- Make your address visible from the road, day or night.
- A stored water source — tank, pool, pond — is a real asset crews can draft from.
Decide before, not during
When an evacuation order comes, you won't have time to think. Pre-decide everything.
- Pack a go-bag with documents, meds, water, and essentials ready to grab.
- Plan for pets and livestock now — they're the thing that makes people wait too long.
- Know two ways out, because the obvious route may be the one that's closed.
Most fires are started by people
In dry country, your own habits in fire season matter as much as your landscaping.
- Know the fire restrictions and respect them — they change fast.
- Skip spark-throwing activities on red-flag (hot, dry, windy) days.
- Never leave any flame or hot equipment unattended in dry conditions.
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The High Desert Survival Guide covers wildfire prep alongside the rest of rural emergency planning — water, power, evacuation, and supplies.
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