As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, MySafe:LA urges Angelenos to take a fresh look at how they protect their homes, not just from the edges of their property, but from the structure itself. This concept, which we call Home Defense, recognizes that wildfire resilience starts at the doorstep. It’s not just about clearing brush 100 feet away; it’s about preparing every part of your home to resist ember attacks, intense heat, and flying debris.
Older Homes, Urban Challenges, and the Wildfire Threat
Los Angeles presents a uniquely dense urban landscape, where hillside homes, narrow roads, and aging construction add complexity to fire safety. Homes built 30 or more years ago often lack basic ember-resistant features that are now required under modern building codes. While many rural areas face predictable wildfire conditions, homes like the Hollywood Hills, Mount Washington, and Pacific Palisades face the threat of urban wildfire firestorms—fast-moving blazes that combine brush fuel with structural ignitions.
The reality? All homes are vulnerable — but not all homes are equally prepared.
Survey Reveals Skepticism Around Zone 0 Ordinance
MySafe:LA recently conducted a comprehensive survey examining public opinion around the City of Los Angeles’s new Zone 0 ordinance. This ordinance requires homeowners in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) to maintain defensible space within five feet of their structures—the most critical area for stopping ember ignition.
The reactions were striking:
- Most respondents do not believe Zone 0 clearance alone will protect their homes.
- Many participants had firsthand experience, some losing their homes in the Palisades and Altadena wildfires this past January.
- The data from this survey has been shared with local fire departments, emergency response agencies, and elected officials.
You can download the full survey report here.
Top 10 Least Expensive Things You Can Do Right Now
To support homeowners — especially those with limited budgets, here are 10 low-cost steps you can take today to begin hardening your home for wildfire resilience:
1. Clear Dead Vegetation Within 5 Feet
This is your first line of defense. Remove dry leaves, dead plants, and flammable mulch immediately around the house.
2. Replace Mulch with Non-Combustible Alternatives
Rock, gravel, or decomposed granite are safer than bark or shredded wood mulch.
3. Install Gutter Guards or Clean Gutters Regularly
Clogged gutters filled with dry debris are ember magnets. Install inexpensive metal guards or keep them clean.
4. Seal Gaps and Cracks
Use fire-resistant caulk or expanding foam to seal siding, foundations, and eaves gaps. Even a pencil-width gap can let in embers.
5. Cover Vents with 1/8” Mesh Screening
Fine metal mesh screens prevent embers from entering attic and crawlspace vents.
6. Move Flammable Items Away from Structures
Store firewood, trash cans, patio furniture, and doormats at least 5 feet away from your home or garage.
7. Trim Tree Branches Overhanging the Roof
Branches should be cut back at least 10 feet from your roofline or chimney.
8. Replace or Repair Damaged Weatherstripping
Gaps under doors and around windows are ember entry points. Replace worn rubber or vinyl weatherstripping.
9. Use Metal Mesh Covers on Chimneys
Install spark arresters on chimney openings to reduce the risk of ejected embers starting fires.
10. Install Hose Bibs or Fire-Resistant Hoses at All Corners
Access to water at multiple corners of your home allows for quicker suppression of minor flare-ups.
Working Together Toward Resilience
While no action guarantees a home’s survival during a wildfire, layered defense measures significantly improve the odds. MySafe:LA is committed to supporting neighborhoods, residents, and HOA/POA groups with education, resources, and policy advocacy to create a more wildfire-resilient Los Angeles.
Together, we can rethink fire prevention—not as an isolated checklist but as a holistic Home Defense strategy that adapts to each community’s unique vulnerabilities.
Want help creating a Home Defense plan? Visit www.wildfirela.org or contact the MySafe:LA team to schedule a community workshop.
