Home Ignition Zone Evaluations

Cal Fire estimates that embers cause the ignition of upto 90% of the homes that burn in wind-driven wildfires. Carried by strong winds, embers fly through the air and rain down on vulnerable homes, miles ahead of flames. Once homes ignite they create intense heat and more embers that can ignite other nearby homes. This turns what would be a fast-moving wildfire into an urban conflagration, putting neighborhoods at risk, as well as making it dangerous for vital first-responders to enter the area.

By taking action long before a wildfire threatens, homeowners can make their structures safer from embers by looking from the "house out" and addressing vulnerabilities. During a Home Ignition Zone Evaluation, trained volunteers will walk around your home with you and suggest ways to reduce the threat from embers. 

After evaluating over 250 homes in Topanga we have turned over this program to the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, who are making it available to a larger area.  Please click here for more info and to schedule a Home Ignition Zone Evaluation.

The  Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Council is also offering evaluations! You can schedule one here.

This home was lost from ember ignition, not by flames from nearby vegetation. Note that the trees were not burned.