Why embers deserve so much attention
CAL FIRE identifies flying embers as one of the major ways homes are threatened during wildfire. Embers can travel ahead of a fire front and enter openings or ignite combustible material on and around a home.
Start with the first five feet
Keeping the area immediately around the structure free of combustible material reduces opportunities for embers to start a fire next to the home. San Diego County and state guidance both emphasize defensible space and the area closest to the structure.
Protect vents and other openings
Inspect attic, soffit, gable, roofline and foundation vents. Damaged screening, large openings and combustible mesh can increase vulnerability. CAL FIRE recommends noncombustible corrosion-resistant screening and, for enhanced protection, flame- and ember-resistant vents.
Keep roofs and gutters clear
Leaves and other debris can catch wind-driven embers. Regularly clear roofs, valleys and gutters, and consider noncombustible gutter protection where appropriate.
Look closely at eaves, siding and decks
Open eaves, gaps, combustible siding details and debris beneath decks can create additional ignition opportunities. Home hardening works best as a system rather than as one isolated upgrade.
Seal common ember entry points
- Repair damaged vent screens and exterior gaps
- Weather-strip garage-door edges where appropriate
- Keep combustible storage away from vents and exterior walls
- Remove debris from roof-to-wall intersections and gutters
- Review vulnerable eaves, soffits and deck areas
Use a whole-home assessment
A home-hardening assessment can help prioritize work rather than treating every component equally. You can also use the official CAL FIRE Ready for Wildfire home-hardening guidance as a homeowner reference.