Why attic vents matter during a wildfire
Wildfires can expose homes to wind-driven embers long before direct flame reaches the structure. California's Office of the State Fire Marshal identifies vents as common ember entry points and recommends flame- and ember-resistant vents or appropriate noncombustible screening as part of wildfire mitigation.
Which vent openings should be reviewed?
A home may have several types of exterior openings connected to attic or concealed spaces, including gable vents, soffit vents, eave vents and certain roof vents. The right upgrade depends on the opening and the ventilation system as a whole.
Do not solve ember entry by creating a ventilation problem
Attic ventilation helps manage heat and moisture. Adding screening or replacing a vent can change net free ventilating area, so the goal is not simply to make openings smaller. Product selection and installation should preserve required ventilation while improving resistance to ember intrusion.
Mesh and purpose-built ember-resistant vents are not identical
Noncombustible corrosion-resistant mesh can reduce the size of embers entering an opening, while purpose-built vents may use different designs to resist embers and flame. For code-driven or permitted work, verify what is accepted for the project and location.
What should a vent estimate include?
- Vent type, size and quantity
- Proposed product or screening method
- How airflow requirements will be maintained
- Any framing, stucco, siding or soffit repair
- Permit or inspection assumptions
Attic vents are one part of a wider home-hardening plan
Even strong vent protection does not make a home wildfire-proof. Roof edges, gutters, eaves, windows, exterior attachments and the first few feet around the home can all affect vulnerability. See our home-hardening priorities guide and San Diego checklist.
Official references: OSFM Building in the Wildland and Fire Hazard Severity Zones.