San Diego wildfire home-hardening checklist
Use this list as a practical starting point. The right priorities depend on the individual property, construction type, vegetation and applicable local requirements.
Roof and gutters
- Remove leaves, needles and other combustible debris
- Inspect roof edges, valleys and gaps where embers could collect
- Review roof-covering condition and vulnerable transitions
- Consider noncombustible gutter covers where appropriate
Vents
- Identify attic, gable, soffit, eave and foundation vents
- Repair torn or missing screens
- Review mesh opening size and material
- Consider listed flame- and ember-resistant vent products where appropriate
Eaves and soffits
- Check for open-eave vulnerabilities
- Repair gaps, damage and exposed combustible areas
- Keep debris from accumulating at roof and eave transitions
Windows, doors and garage
- Inspect exterior doors for gaps
- Check garage-door weather stripping
- Review vulnerable windows and glazing as part of a larger retrofit plan
Decks, fences and attachments
- Remove combustible debris beneath decks
- Keep furniture and stored items from creating ignition points
- Review combustible fence connections to the house
Defensible space
San Diego County provides specific defensible-space guidance and requirements for applicable properties. Vegetation management and structure hardening work together; one does not replace the other.
Prioritize rather than trying to do everything at once
Start with high-consequence vulnerabilities: combustible material immediately against the home, roof and gutter debris, damaged vent screens, obvious openings and areas where embers can accumulate. A home-hardening assessment can help turn the checklist into a property-specific plan.
Useful next guides
Read how to harden a home against wildfire embers and our ember-resistant vent selection guide.