Bogged Down in Text? Search for What You're looking for! 

Community Engagement The Neighborhoods We Serve Lake Hollywood Estates Hollywoodland The Manor The Knolls The Dell Civic Association Lakeridge Estates Even if your neighborhood is not part of the council, we are all connected. For better or worse, our neighborhoods are all woven into the same wildland around us all, and each of us has a responsibility to the other when it comes to fire readiness. Our Partners in Government Your local fire inspector is Daniel Liberto Governance and fire requirements for your home In Los Angeles County, properties in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) are subject to annual defensible space inspections, requiring a 100-foot clearance around structures. An inspection is triggered when the Board of Supervisors declares properties as potential hazards. While the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) inspects improved properties, the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner inspects unimproved ones. For real estate transactions, California Assembly Bill 38 (AB 38) mandates that sellers in FHSZs provide proof of compliance or a buyer agreement to obtain compliance within one year of closing escrow, according to the LAFD. Who Performs Inspections? LA County Fire Department (LAFD): Inspects improved properties. LA County Agricultural Commissioner, Weights and Measures (ACWM): Inspects unimproved properties. When Are Inspections Required? Annual Program: LA County conducts an annual defensible space inspection program for properties in identified fire hazard areas. Real Estate Transactions (AB 38): If the property is located in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, an inspection is required before a sale closes. What Do The Inspections Cover? The inspection assesses your property for fire hazards, which includes: Flammable Vegetation: Hazardous brush, dry grass, and flammable plants. Combustible Materials: Woodpiles, fallen leaves, needles, and other debris on the ground, roof, and gutters. Structural Fire Hazards: Items under decks, around outbuildings, and within 10 feet of chimneys. What Are the Requirements for Defensible Space? The goal is to create 100 feet of defensible space. The specific requirements vary, but generally include: Zone 0 (0-5 feet from the home): Keep this area clear of all flammable materials. Zone 1 (5-30 feet from the home): Trim vegetation, remove dead material, and create horizontal and vertical space between plants. Zone 2 (30-100 feet from the home): Thin natural growth, mow grass to 4 inches or less, and store combustibles away from the home. What to Do if Your Property is In a Fire Hazard Zone Check Your Zone: Use the Cal FIRE website to see if your property is in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Contact Your Local Fire Department: For properties within LA County's jurisdiction, visit the LA County Fire Department website to learn about the process. Request an Inspection: For real estate transactions, you can find information on scheduling an AB 38 inspection through your local fire department or Cal FIRE. Events Wildfire Preparedness Fair 2025 A Wildfire Preparedness Fair hosted by the Hollywood Hills Fire Safe Council presented important public safety information, HHFSC has uploaded videos for those who were unable to attend, as it was an important event to showcase ways to get ready for future wildfire events. The 2025 Wildfire Preparedness Fair focused on delivering up-to-date information on preparing for the next wildfire event. Numerous city, county and state officials attended and gave meaningful updates on fire safety protocols and efforts.The City of Los Angeles (CD4 ,CD5 and CD 11 ) recognized the Hollywood Hills Fire Safe Council for the work it did in helping educate the public on wildfire preparedness issues and safety tips. As its mission statement notes, the HHFSC is committed to safeguarding the Hollywood Hills, including its residents, homes, visitors, wildlife, and iconic landmarks— the Hollywood Sign, Lake Hollywood Park, Lake Hollywood Reservoir, and Griffith Park—through robust fire prevention and safety strategies. This mission looks to reduce wildfire risks, enhance infrastructure, and secure funding for education, prevention, and enforcement initiatives. The Wildfire Preparedness Fair was part of HHFSC efforts to offer educational resources and understand about the perils surrounding potential fire hazards in hillside areas which are significantly at risk for wildfires. Amongst its many efforts, the HHFSC advocates for enforcement of fire safety laws, promotes capacity control, and works collaboratively with the Fire Department and other agencies to implement effective infrastructure improvements. HHFSC prioritizes the safety of people, animals, and the environment and strives to build a resilient community, prepared to face fire hazards, while preserving the unique character of the Hollywood Hills. Prepare & Preserve The HHFSC aims to assist hillside stakeholders understand the dangers of potential wildfires and recognize the threats and approaches to mitigate those threats. Resources & Education People in the Hollywood Hills need access to information and effective techniques that ensure the safety of the area from fire danger. Resiliency & Safety Robust fire prevention and safety strategies can reduce wildfire risks, enhance infrastructure, and secure funding for education, prevention, and enforcement.

Education and Prevention The saying goes, its not a matter of if but when . Fire will come to the Hollywood Hills. How we survive it will be determined by what we do now to prepare for it. educaion and prevention Wildfire wild·fire /ˈwīl(d)ˌfī(ə)r/ a large, destructive fire that spreads quickly over woodland or brush. The History of Wildfire in Southern California Wildfire and Southern California Climate Los Angeles is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with winters that are mild and wet and summers that are hot and dry. Because the majority of annual precipitation occurs between November and April, wildfires are an inherent and recurring aspect of the region’s natural ecosystem. Historical Practices Native California tribes such as the Chumash, Tataviam, and Karuk used seasonal burning as a sustainable form of land management. These carefully timed burns not only provided food and materials but also reduced the risk of large, catastrophic wildfires, making fire an integral part of cultural and ecological stewardship. Cultural Burning Reduced Catastrophic Fires Through the regular clearing of brush and dead fuels, Native Californians prevented the accumulation of dense vegetation that could otherwise feed destructive wildfires. This practice also created a patchwork of forests and meadows, habitats that supported healthy populations of animals such as elk. Cultural burns further encouraged the growth of fire-adapted plants—native grasses, oak trees, and essential basket-making materials like willow—all of which thrived in fire-maintained ecosystems. A Change in Forest Management When European settlers arrived, they viewed these cultural practices as a threat to cattle interests. Indigenous burning traditions were suppressed and replaced with fire suppresion policies. In place of stewardship, unchecked fuel accumulation began to dominate California’s landscapes. Development and Urbanization As California grew, development pushed deeper into wildland areas. Homes and infrastructure were built within fire-prone landscapes, increasing both the exposure and vulnerability of communities to wildfire. Understanding fire types and how they spread. Ecology and Fire Behavior Types of fire Ground Fire Behavior: These fires burn underground in layers of peat or other organic matter, often smoldering without flames and producing little smoke. Fuel: The fuel consists of decayed roots and the duff layer, which is a thick layer of compacted dead plant materials on the forest floor. Challenges: Ground fires are difficult to extinguish and can remain hidden, potentially smoldering for a long time and re-igniting. Surface Fire Behavior: These are the most common type of wildfire, characterized by flames that move along the forest floor. Fuel: They consume loose surface fuels such as grass, dead leaves, moss, and small shrubs. Intensity: Surface fires can vary from low to high intensity and spread quickly with high flames. Crown FIre Behavior: These are the most dangerous and intense type of wildfire, where the fire spreads into the upper canopy of the forest. Fuel: They rely on "ladder fuels"—vegetation like shrubs and small trees—to transition from a surface fire to the tree crowns. Dangers: Crown fires spread rapidly with the wind, pose a significant threat to structures, and are the most destructive type of wildfire. Ecology and Fire Behavior Anchor 1 Of the 6 major terrestrial ecosystems of California, fire finds its home mainly in the Forest, Grassland and Shrubland Ecosystems. Forest ecosystem Dominated by trees with extensive tree canopies and rich soil, forest ecosystems in California are primarily located along the state's northern coast (redwood and mixed evergreen forests), in the Sierra Nevada mountains (montane forests with conifers), and in the Klamath Mountains (Klamath-Siskiyou forests) in the north. Additionally, oak woodlands are found on the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the Tehachapi Mountains, and the western Coast Ranges. Shrubland ecosystem Shrubland ecosystems in California, including chaparral and coastal sage scrub , are primarily located in the state's Southern California region and extend into the Central Coast. They occupy the low-elevation coastal areas and foothills of mountain ranges like the Coast Ranges , Transverse Ranges , and Peninsular Ranges , with some areas of inland chaparral and woodlands extending around the Central Valley. Chaparral is a resilient shrubland ecosystem found in Los Angeles. Characterized by dense, drought-tolerant shrubs with hard, leathery leaves adapted to hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Fire is a critical natural process in chaparral , with many plants relying on it for seed germination and resprouting . This dynamic ecosystem provides slope stabilization, watershed protection, and vital habitat for diverse plant and animal species, despite its vulnerability to human-caused fires and climate change . California's chaparral ecosystem is naturally adapted to high-intensity, stand-replacement crown fires that consume nearly all above-ground vegetation at moderate intervals, historically ranging from 30 to 150 years. These fires are crucial for chaparral's survival, triggering seed germination and promoting vegetative resprouting Because of our chapparal ecosystem, surface fires fueld by low lying brush(Brush Fire) is the main type of wildland fire that occurs in Los Angeles County. Burning low-lying vegetation, including grasses, shrubs, and other dry, low-lying plants, a brush fire is a broad category of fire that falls under the umbrella term "wildfire" and is distinguished from fires that burn in dense forests. Brush fires are often characterized by their quick spread and the specific type of vegetation they consume, such as the low, dry fuel found in many open areas and near human settlements. Key characteristics of a brush fire: Vegetation: Primarily involves low-lying plants like shrubs, grasses, and other brush. Type: A type of wildfire, which is an uncontrolled fire in an area of combustible vegetation. Spread: Can spread quickly due to dry conditions and the nature of its fuels. Location: Commonly found in open areas and places with abundant low-lying vegetation, and often in proximity to human settlements. Causes: Often started by human activity, such as discarded cigarettes, equipment sparks, or campfires. How a Fire Grows How a fire grows Once ignition takes place, how does a fire grow? Fuel Driven Fire is a fire where it's spread is dictated by the abundance, type, and condition of combustible material (the fuel). The 2014 King Fire in El Dorado County, California was a fuel driven fire that burned 97,717 acres primarily in the Eldorado National Forest. The King fire was different from other fires in three unique ways. 1. Fire-induced winds: The primary driver of the fire's rapid spread was pyroconvection, a phenomenon where the fire's intense heat creates its own localized, powerful winds. 2. Self-reinforcing internal dynamics: Researchers found that these fire-induced winds equaled or exceeded ambient winds, effectively drawing the fire up canyons and across the landscape. This meant the fire was generating the atmospheric conditions that fueled its own growth, pointing to "self-reinforcing internal dynamics" rather than just external factors. 3. Challenging models: The fire's behavior was so extreme and dynamic that standard kinematic fire models, which don't account for these fire-induced winds, underestimated its potential size and growth. A Fuel Driven Wildfire Wind Driven Fire is a fire whose rapid spread and behavior are primarily controlled by wind, which provides oxygen, preheats and dries fuel, and carries embers, making the fire unpredictable and dangerous. A wind driven fire can be characterized by winds as low as 10-20mph or in excess of 80mph. While wind always affects fire, wind driven fires are characterized by wind as the dominant force as opposed to fuel. The most destructive fires in Los Angeles County have been wind driven brush fires. The 2017 Tubbs Fire was one of California's most destructive wind driven wildfires. Tearing through a mix of chaparral, grassland and oak woodlands, the fire burned over 36,000 acres and destroyed over 5,600 structures in Sonoma and Napa counties. The fire lead to 22 civilian fatalities. Fueled by strong winds and embers, the fire started at 9:43pm on October 8, 2017, near Calistoga, rapidly spreading at the rate of one football field every second into Santa Rosa and wiping out entire neighborhoods, such as the Coffee Park area, before fire officials were able to establish a base of operations. Impact and Aftermath The Tubbs Fire was the most destructive wildfires in California at the time. High winds, reaching 60 to 100 mph, were a major factor, allowing embers to spread rapidly and cause widespread destruction. Many residents were forced to evacuate their homes without warning in the overnight hours, sometimes escaping with just the shirts on their backs and some losing everything they owned. The fire has served as a difficult lesson for communities and homeowners regarding fire preparedness and risk mitigation. Urban Conflagration An Urban Conflagration is a widespread, destructive fire that spreads rapidly from structure to structure within a community, often starting with a wildfire. The Palisades and Eaton Fires were both examples of an Urban Conflagration Understanding the Threat Understanding the Threat How fire threatens your neighborhood. A Modern Wildfire Crisis Climate Change + Urbanization and the human encroachment into wildland areas. + Decades of p oor fuel management by property owners and municipalities resulting in massive fuel overgrowth or fuel mismanagement. How urbanization has contributed to more extreme fire events The development and urbanization of California took place from the late 18th century, accelerating during the 1849 Gold Rush and exploding into a massive suburban expansion after World War II and is ongoing today. As homes and infrastructure were built, the cities and neighborhoods pushed further into the wildland areas. A greater vulnerability to wildfire was created. Coupled with climate change, and crowded cities, Angeleno's are now the inheritors of this wildfire crisis. Land Management and it's role in extreme fire events Wildfire suppression has been the dominant strategy in fire management since before 1850. A century and a half of fuel growth coupled with industrial logging practices has changed the landscape of California. The destruction of old growth forests, making way for tree plantations has not only added to our carbon output as human beings, but has replaced old, fire adapted growth with young, densly planted forests that have become a river of fuel for modern wildfires. Without space in between plantings, fire grows faster and more intense making it impossible to manage a fire event at scale. WUI (woo-ee) Wildland Urban Interface A Need to re-think how our homes exist within the WUI or VHFHSZ Angeleanos have spent the better part of a century turning our chaparral ecosystem into a densly wooded urban landscape, bringing in non-native tree species, beautiful to behold, but a danger in an ecosystem where fire is a natural occurrence. In order for us to come to terms with how we live with these new fire events, we must reconcile how we have put ourselves in harm's way by moving into the wildland and planting whatever we feel like planting. Mother nature will restore balance despite our arrogance. We have the choice now to change how that happens. Modern Municipalities and efforts to address with the issue Humans have increasingly encroached upon wildlands, leading to a steady rise in the frequency of brush fires. Entire homes and neighborhoods have been destroyed and rebuilt in their wake. In response to this growing crisis, fire authorities and insurance agencies have stepped in, working to define the scope of the problem and identify the communities most at risk. The concept of "Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone" was established in California state law, with the term originating in 1996 with the passage of Assembly Bill 337, also known as the Bates Bill, which authorized the creation of these zones statewide to identify areas with high wildfire risk. This bill was created to address destructive wildfires by establishing specific, science-based fire safety measures, including defensible space and building codes. The first official maps designating these zones were adopted in 1996. The Wildland Urban Interface (woo-eee)/ Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone VHFHSZ A designated geographic area where vegetation, terrain, weather conditions, and the density of structures create an elevated potential for destructive wildfire The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) is the area where human development, such as homes and businesses, intermingles with undeveloped natural vegetation, including forests and grasslands. This overlap creates a unique set of environmental conflicts , particularly the heightened risk of wildfires that destroy property, threaten lives, and fragment habitats VHFHSZ in California In total, more than 2.7 million people live in "very high fire hazard severity zones", which also include areas at lesser risk. On lands under CAL FIRE's jurisdictional protection (i.e. not federal or local responsibility areas), the majority of wildfire ignitions since 1980 have been caused by humans. The four most common ignition sources for wildfires on CAL FIRE-protected lands are, in order: equipment use, powerlines, arson, and lightning. VHFHSZ in Los Angeles Griffith Park ,Beachwood Canyon, The Knolls, The Oaks, Hollywoodland, The Dell, The Manor, Lake Hollywood Estates, All of these neighborhoods are located inside of a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone(VHFHSZ) as designated by the LAFD. As you can see from the map below, our neighborhoods are on the front line of the Modern Wildfire Crisis. LAFD VHFHSZ Designation in Red Interact with LAFD's VHFHSZ Map Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Life inside a VHFHSZ Many of us have chosen our homes in the hills and wildlands of Los Angeles for their unique architecture, spectacular views, proximity to nature, seclusion, and also for their convenience to the city. As much as we enjoy our homes and neighborhoods, we have a responsibility to our neighbors and the surrounding landscape to be good stewards of our homes and property through effective fuel management and home hardening. As August and September approach each year, we all feel the heat of summer taking its toll. The hotter the summer, the higher the temperatures, the drier the fuel becomes. As Santa Ana Winds start up in late September, we need to have our brush clearance and home hardening projects finished up. Now, we switch to Emergency preparedness mode and we keep an eye out for the conditions where ignition can happen and fire can quickly grow. When to be alert Time of Year As September Rolls around, keep an eye out for these trends. The more prepared you are, the better chance you have if fire breaks out near your neighborhood. Weather Conditions Has your area had an extended period of temperatures above 95 degrees? When this happens, humidity drops and the vegetation near your property dries out making it the perfect fuel for fast growing wildfire. When is the last time substantial rain has fallen? The longer the period of dryness, the higher chance of wildfire. Seasonal Shifts A Potential for Wind - For those of us in Los Angeles, the windy season mostly comes in the fall. Late September through January or February. Wind Driven fire is the most unpredictable and the most difficult for firefighters to suppress. Watch the weather and if sustained winds go above 20mph, it's time to be alert and monitor wind direction and activity from your local fire services. Red Flag Days are issued when weather conditions are such that the potential for a fast-moving brush fire is extremely high. Every year Los Angeles has 4-12 red flag days that are declared. These are the days to be most alert to the possibility of fast moving wildfire. Watch your local weather and fire services. When you see these days being declared, make sure your last minute preparations are complete. Make sure your leaf litter is removed from around your house. Any furniture, plants, etc. that are against your house, move to 5 feet or beyond the perimeter of your home. Have your go-bag ready. Make sure your family is aware of your family's emergency plans. Seasonal Shifts Seasonal Shifts and Weather Conditions Santa Ana Winds are hot, dry, and strong northeasterly winds that blow from the inland deserts of the southwestern U.S. down the mountain slopes of Southern California toward the Pacific Ocean. Named for Santa Ana Canyon, they are a significant factor in California's wildfire season , increasing fire risk by drying out vegetation and causing destructive, fast-spreading blazes. These events occur most frequently from September to May, peaking in the winter months of December and January, and bring both warm temperatures and low humidity to the region. Palisades and Eaton Fires The January 2025 Fires - A Study in Prediction The Palisades Fire was a highly destructive wildfire that began burning in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County on January 7, 2025, and grew to destroy large areas of Pacific Palisades , Topanga , and Malibu before it was fully contained on January 31, after 24 days. One of a series of wildfires in Southern California driven by powerful Santa Ana winds , it burned 23,448 acres, killed 12 people, and destroyed 6,837 structures, making it the tenth-deadliest and third-most destructive California wildfire on record and the most destructive to occur in the history of the city of Los Angeles The Eaton Fire , previously called the Close Fire, was a highly destructive wildfire in Los Angeles County , in Southern California. The fire began on the evening of January 7, 2025, in Eaton Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains , and a powerful Santa Ana wind event drove the fire into foothill communities, particularly Altadena . The fire killed at least 19 people and destroyed more than 9,000 buildings, becoming the fifth deadliest and the second most destructive wildfire in California history. The cause of the fire is under investigation; news reports and lawsuits have focused on the possible involvement of high tension power lines operated by electrical utility Southern California Edison . The fire was fully contained on January 31 after burning for 24 days. The Eaton Fire was one of eight major wildfires in Southern California in January 2025 , and burned simultaneously with the deadly and destructive Palisades Fire in the Santa Monica Mountains . Before the Palisades and Eaton fires ignited in January 2025, the National Weather Service issued warnings of an extreme katabatic windstorm—commonly known as Santa Ana winds —across Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Forecasts predicted damaging gusts of 60–80 mph , with some mountain regions potentially exceeding 90 mph . These winds were expected to be exceptionally dry, creating “extreme fire danger” and the potential for explosive fire growth . This came after a record-breaking stretch of little to no precipitation, compounded by several prior years of unchecked vegetation growth fueled by wetter seasons. The January 2025 Fires - After Action Review After extensive studying, agencies did a thorough review of systematic weaknesses and came to the following conclusions. Impact Overview • 37,000 acres burned across Los Angeles County • 16,000+ structures destroyed • 31 lives lost (12 Palisades, 19 Eaton) • Nearly 250,000 residents under evacuation warnings or orders • Estimated $28B–$53.8B in property damage; up to $9B long-term economic impact Systemic Weaknesses • Outdated & conflicting policies on who can issue evacuation orders • Inconsistent messaging — some residents got late or no alerts • Staffing shortages & aging equipment magnified by event scale • Situational awareness gaps (power outages, grounded aircraft) • Fragmented public communication reduced clarity & trust 5 Critical Focus Areas & Priority Actions Policies & Authority Clarify evacuation authority; update SOPs & messaging roles Training & Planning Cross-agency wildfire evacuation training; surge staffing models Resource Management Modern equipment; sustainable funding; maintain strike teams Situational Awareness Modern shared tracking tools; redundant comms & power Community Engagement Unified public info strategy; multi-channel alerts; local partnerships Community Lessons • Pre-season education saves lives — prepared communities respond faster • Power outages cripple alerts — backup systems and local networks matter Recommended Podcasts and Media to Listen and Watch Recommended Documentaries, Youtube Series, Vodcasts and Podcasts There is a lot to learn from past fires. Thes are some of the best content available in order to do so. Inside the LA Firestorm PBS takes a deep dive on what happened with the Palisades and Eaton Firestorms of 2025. They outline the weather patterns of the 20th century and a possible reason for the increase in wildfires. Danger in Plain Sight - Youtube Series A fantastic visual assessment of the challenges we face when it comes to Wildfire in Los Angeles specifically. These guys are fantastic at pointing out how we can re-imagine our communities to survive in fire. They highligh why Southern California is different than Northern Calfiornia because of its Chaparral ecosystem. Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire This documentary covers The Camp Fire and the Woolsey Fire. It shows how people react to policy and building code changes after a fire. It talks about prescribed burning and how we, as Californians have mismanaged the wildland. It shows some very emotional scenes where we can hear residents of Paradise who are stuck in their homes when their homes burned. Fire In Paradise: Documentary This documentary will put you in the survivor's seat, allowing you to experience what it was like to evacuate Paradise, California, during the Camp Fire. It could change the way you think about how much time you have to evacuate during an emergency. Against the Odds: Wildfire in Paradise Paired with the Documentary Fire in Paradise, this podcast does an excellent job at filling in the gaps the documentary may have left. An excellent listen when you are doing other things. LAist: The Big Burn Produced by our local station LAist, this is a comprehensive podcast that talks about wildfire from all angles. It goes through history and our past relationship with forest management. Prevention Now that you have a bank of knowledge under your belt, what do you do? Feeling overwhelmed? Don't worry! There are things that you can do now. Little by little, we can all work towards communities that are safer during fire events. What can you do to help your neighborhood survive a wildfire? 1. Manage the fuels on your property 2. Harden your home 3. Help educate your neighbors 4. Make sure your neighborhood infrastructure is adequate for wildfire safety 5. Be prepared when a Wildfire happens Let's get into the details. Brush Clearance and Home Hardening

Brush Clearance and Home Hardening Preparing your property to survive wildfire If you live in the Wildland Urban Interface, you have a 40% chance of your home being destroyed in a wildfire . If you take the steps to harden your home and create defensible space, you can reduce those odds by half . A note about fire hardening your property. Fire hardening your property can feel overwhelming, both financially and in terms of scope. Instead of trying to do everything at once, create a three-year plan and approach the work in phases. Tackling it step by step helps you stay motivated! Doing nothing is the most dangerous thing we can do. We’re here to guide you and help develop a plan to fire harden your property that works for you. Reach out to the Firesafe Council Top Ten Things You Can Do Right Now Top 10 Least Expensive Things you can do right now 1. Clear vegetation and items that can ignite within 5 feet of your home - Sometimes referred to as Zone Zero, this is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to protect your home. The five feet around your house is the most vulnerable to embers and embers are the number one method of fire transmission. 2. Replace mulch with non-combustable alternatives - Many of us enjoy natural-looking wood chips in our flowerbeds, gardens, and planters next to our house. As you can imagine, these are extremely susceptible to ignition from embers. Swap it out for decomposed granite, gravel, pebbles, or some other non-combustible alternative. 3. Install gutter guards or clean your gutters regularly - gutters are one of the primary places where leaf litter, pine needles, etc. collect providing an excellent place for ignition in a fire. Clean your gutters out regularly and especially when red flag days are predicted. For a lower maintenance option, install gutter guards. Product suggestions are below. 4. Seal gaps and cracks in your roof, siding and foundation - embers can penetrate a home's exterior in an area as small as 2 millimeters (0.078 inches). Take the time to look at your home's perimeter and seal any cracks with the proper caulking and roofing products. 5. Cover foundation vents and attic spaces with 1/8" mesh screening - One of the number one ways fire spread from home to home in the Palisades fire of 2025 was through the attic vents. Embers enter through these areas easily. Often, before the homeowner is even aware the entire roof is engulfed in flames. 1/8" or finer metal mesh will help keep embers out of the interior of your home thus reducing the chance of ignition. Product recommendations are below. 6. Move flammable items away from structures - This ties into item 1. Storing items, keeping potted plants, or placing furniture within five feet of your home greatly increases the risk of ignition during a wildfire. When a red flag day is predicted, move these items to outside of the 5' perimeter around your home. 7. Trim tree branches overhanging the roof - Tree branches should be cut at a minimum of 6 feet above the overhang of your house. Tree to Structure fire spread is not as common as ember to structure fire spread, however, branches can catch fire and if they are within 6 feet of your home, you are greatly increasing the possibility for ignition to your home. Additionally, trees that regularly produce leaf litter, pine needles, or any other type of droppings can collect on your rooftop and provide an ignition point in the event of fire. 8. Replace or repair damaged weatherstripping - Weatherstripping in your home works to keep out moisture, insects and embers in the event of a fire. If you have worn out or damaged weatherstripping, it provides opportunity for embers to create an ignition point in your home during a fire. Make sure to inspect and replace all weatherstripping around your house, including the weatherstripping at the bottom of your garage door. 9. Use metal mesh covers on chimneys - Metal mesh is required in most VHFHSV areas in Los Angeles. Just remember if it's big enough to let embers in, high wind events can push those embers into the more vulnerable parts of the interior of your home, providing an opportunity for home ignition. 10. Install hose bibs or fire-resistant hoses at all corners - If fire approaches your home, and there is time before evacuation, watering down the vulnerable areas of the exterior of your home can go a long way towards preventing ember ignition. Take the time now to install hose bibs and fire resistant hoses at every corner of your home in order to make for easy deployment before an evacuation order. Understanding defensible space and how it pertains to your home and property will allow you to know what brush clearance and home hardening projects are needed to help your property survive wildfire. Defensible Space Defensible space is the buffer zone that property owners create around a building to protect it from wildfire. The practice involves careful landscaping and vegetation management to remove flammable material and reduce a fire's intensity as it nears a structure. Maintaining defensible space is one of the most effective ways homeowners can increase their property's chance of surviving a wildfire. Zone 0 extends zero to 5 feet from structures, including the building itself. Zone 1 begins five feet from your house and extends 30 feet away. Zone 2 lies beyond the home defense zone, extending at least 100 feet from the house or to your property line. Zone 3 is adjacent to roads and driveways, fourteen feet overhead and ten feet from the edge of the roadway. Zone 4 is area shared with neighbors and/or land management agencies. 100-200+ ft. Danger in Plain Sight - How The Lookout sees defensible space in our neighborhood Zone 0: Ember Resistant Zone Zone 0 , sometimes referred to as the 'Ember Resistant Zone,' extends 0 to 5 feet from your house. It is the area closest to your house, including plants, decks, outdoor furniture, and the outside walls and coverings. This area is the most vulnerable and should be more aggressively maintained for fire resistance. When wildfire embers land in this area, they ignite any combustible material, which in turn can ignite your home. Gravel mulch and hardscaping are very effective in this area. How to prepare this area for fire: Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers. Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember penetration. Reduce the ability for embers to pass through vents in the eaves by installing 1/8 inch metal mesh screening. Clean debris from exterior attic vents and install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening. Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows. Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating. Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors – mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles – anything that can burn. Remove anything stored underneath decks or eaves. Zone 1: 5-30ft. Lean, Clean & Green In this zone, which extends from 5 to 30 feet from the home, remove dead vegetation and debris, and maintain spacing between shrubs and trees. Remove 'ladder fuels' (i.e., trees or shrubs that are growing under other trees) because they can increase the probability of fire moving into the tree canopy. Keep vegetation in this zone irrigated. Hardscape and plant islands or beds can help maintain horizontal separation to reduce the spread of fire. Steps to take in Zone 1 Clear vegetation from under large stationary propane tanks. Create fuel breaks with driveways, walkways/paths, patios, and decks. Keep lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches. Remove ladder fuels (vegetation under trees) so a surface fire cannot reach the crowns. Prune trees up to six to ten feet from the ground; for shorter trees do not exceed 1/3 of the overall tree height. Space trees to have a minimum of eighteen feet between crowns with the distance increasing with the percentage of slope. Tree placement should be planned to ensure the mature canopy is no closer than ten feet to the edge of the structure. Tree and shrubs in this zone should be limited to small clusters of a few each to break up the continuity of the vegetation across the landscape. Most of us in the Hollywood Hills do not have property that extends beyond Zone 1. Our neighbors then become our Zones 2-4 in relation to our home. How they maintain their homes and property will determine how resilient we all are to wildfire. Home Hardening The process of retrofitting or building a house with ignition-resistant materials and using specialized construction techniques to increase its resilience against embers, radiant heat, and direct flame contact. The goal is to make the home less vulnerable to ignition, especially from the wind-blown embers that cause the majority of structure losses during wildfires. 90% of homes burned by wildfire are ignited by embers. To understand how to protect your homes against these embers, we must first learn how embers lead to ignition on a home. How Embers Ignite a House 95% of homes within the WUI in Los Angeles are over 20 years old. Newer building standards require many of the buiding upgrades we're going to talk about in terms of home hardening. For those of us that have these older homes, we are looking at retrofitting our existing home and upgrading them to be more fire hardened. Let's get into what that means. Home Hardening: The Basics MySafe:LA - Home Hardening Create a Non-Combustible Zone (Zone 0) Clear vegetation: Remove all dry leaves, needles, weeds, and dead plants from your roof, gutters, decks, and within 5 feet of your home. The needles both on the roof and the gutters on this home will surely ignite during an ember storm creating fire exposure that will ignite the entire roof. Regulary, and especially when red flag days are predicted, cleaning out debris from roofs and in gutters is your number one defense against your home igniting from fire. Clay tile roofs can allow for space for debris to collect providing a space for ember ingnition which can lead to your roof catching fire. Make sure to clear your roof of debris regularly and especially when red flag days are predicted. Mortar in between these spaces on a clay tile roof can be a more permanent solution. Use hardscaping: Replace combustible materials like mulch and bark with gravel, pavers, or concrete in this zone. Bark is highly combustible. If you like the look of bark mulch, there are plenty of rock options that look like bark. Remove debris: Keep the area under your deck and around your home free of combustible materials, such as furniture and firewood. If you keep firewood on your property, make sure it is well away from zone 0. On red flag days, make sure you move furniture or potted plants away from the 5 feet of defensible space around your house. Keep the area under your deck completely clear of combustible material. This deck will surely catch fire in an ember storm. Protect Vents and Foundations Enclose vents: Cover attic, soffit, and foundation vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh or smaller to block embers from entering. In the Palisades and Eaton fires, one of the primary methods of fire transmission was from house to house. A burning house can create 100' high ember casts. These embers travel with the wind and find their way into the foundation and attic spaces of homes. If you don't have 1/8" mesh or smaller installed on your attic and foundation vents, embers will lead to your home igniting and being consumed by fire. Often, attic fires aren't detected until it's too late to save the structure. Installing Vents like these are a great way to prevent ember intrusion into your foundation spaces. At the very least, 1/8" mesh or smaller is needed. Enclose foundation: Seal and enclose your foundation with noncombustible materials to prevent embers from getting underneath the home. Maintain Your Roof and Gutters Clear gutters and roof: Regularly clean your roof and gutters of leaves and needles to prevent them from igniting from wind-blown embers. Upgrade roofing: Consider installing a Class A fire-rated roof, such as asphalt, metal, or tile, to create a more fire-resistant barrier. Class A roofing is required if your roof has been replaced in the last 20 years, however, some homes with wooden shake roofs are still grandfathered in. A class a Roof is your number one method of preventing ignition from an ember storm. Class A roofs can be made of asphalt, slate, metal, or clay tiles. Clay tiles with the popular "S" shape can allow debris to collect in and around the tiles and require more diligence in keeping them clear of debris. Secure Attached Structures Replace attached fencing: Replace combustible wood fencing or gates attached to your home with noncombustible materials for the first 8 feet. If you have a wooden fence, even if it is well maintained, replace the 8 feet of fencing where it connect to your home with non-combustible materials. This can be metal, but there are plenty of wood looking materials that could blend well with your wooden fence. A wooden fence attached to your home is a gauranteed way to transmit fire to your home especially when the fence goes underneath the eaves of your home. In this example, two wooden fences are directly under the eaves of the home and come right against the wooden siding of this home. If the fence ignites, the house will burn if it is not put out before the fire transfers to the siding. This fence is not maintained, is next to dry brush and goes all the way under the eaves of the house. Fire will spread to the structure if the fence ignites. Limit clutter around your home: Reduce combustible items, such as outdoor furniture, storage items and planters, around your home Using the side of your house as storage is not recommended. All of those items will surely ignite in an ember storm, transferring fire to the side and roof of the home. Coupled with leaf litter in the gutter and overgrown vegetation up against a wooden fence, there is not much chance of survival for this home in an ember storm. Maintain your home If the exterior of your home is made of wood, it is imperative to to keep up on it's maintenance. Unmaintained wood dries out, leaves gaps where it connects to your home and becomes a home for insects and fire. This home has wooden siding that is not properly maintained. It also has a wooden deck that needs repair or replacement and dead vegetation leaning against that deck. Coupled with pine needles on the roof, there is very little to protect this home in the event of fire. This home has some beautiful woodwork outlining the front of it. It has been left in disrepair allowing vegetation to grow behind trim pieces and opening up the home to vulnerability during a fire. This Calfire Demonstration is a great example of why fire hardening is so important. Simple things like defensible space, and the need for non-combustible materials within that defensible space are shown with clarity as they light these two structures on fire. A Fire Hardened House vs One that is Not Retrofitting Older Homes Especially in our neighborhoods, there are many homes built more than 20 years ago. Building codes and standards were much different than they are now. Retrofitting older homes for fire can be an expensive endevour. I encourage you to take it step by step and try not to get bogged down in the scope of work that needs to be done. Start with the simple things and then parse out the bigger projects over time. Class A roofing As discussed above, a Class A fire rated roof is your first line of defense in a fire. It is not only required when you go to replace your roof, it is your best chance at protecting your home in an ember storm. Any new asphalt roof is typically a class A fire rated roof. Tile and slate roofs are also considered class A fire rated as well as metal roofing. Make sure if your roof is has an underlayment component under tiles, that you replace that in a timely manner as well. That underlayment is an integral part of protecting your home against embers as well as moisture in the rainy months. Gutter Guards Gutter guards are one of the most effective and easy projects to implement. There are ready made gutter guards available on amazon that work well to keep debris clear of your gutters making for easy clearance on red flag days of the debris that does collect. Click here for the amazon gutter guards that I've used before. Attic Vents and Foundation Vents Third in line of priority to retrofitting an older home is to install 1/8" mesh or better over foundation and attic vents. If your home is old enough to have a raised foundation, those spaces at the bottom of your home where you see wire are foundation vents. During a fire, embers travel into those spaces and can lead to ignition unless you have wire mesh installed to keep embers out. 1/8" Mesh Rolls vs Custom made Vents Depending on the condition of your vent covers, you can either install mesh over the existing vent covers or you can install vent covers that are designed specifically to withstand ember storms. With many houses vent spaces have wood frames, so custom fire vent covers will offer more protection against ignition. Custom Made Foundation Vents Custom foundation vents are designed to withstand an ember storm while providing airflow. Some of these options can require painting and/or repair to the exterior siding of your home and are more expensive because of that. 1/8" Mesh 1/8" Mesh or smaller is offered in many forms. Some are marketed as "Ember" Mesh and have a powder-coated coating on them. You don't have to get fancy with it. Basic 1/8" or smaller metal mesh installed on all vent openings and over your eaves will greatly reduce the ability for embers to enter and ignite those unmonitored spaces in your home. Wood Siding If you have wood siding on your house, you already know that it requires quite a bit of upkeep. Stay on top of keeping it painted. Make sure any siding that is damaged gets replaced as soon as possible. Wood siding can be easily ignited with embers. Fiber Cement Siding For longer term consideration, plan to replace your wood siding with fiber cement siding. Although expensive, fiber cement siding can greatly improve the look of your home, cut down significantly on upkeep and provide long lasting ember resistant protection. Wood Windows and single pane glass Over the past 20 years, significant progress has been made in window engineering. Modern windows can offer exceptional protection in the event of a fire, not only protecting your home against ignition but also against smoke. Single pane windows are beautiful and unique, but radiant heat from a fire will break the glass in these old windows leading to the exposure of the interior of the home to smoke and embers. Annealed Glass(Plain Glass) vs Tempered Glass Tempered glass is 4–5 times stronger than regular glass. When broken, regular glass shatters into sharp pieces, while tempered glass breaks into small, blunt chunks. Regular glass is cheaper, but tempered glass is slightly more expensive due to its added safety. Regular glass is easy to cut after it’s made, but tempered glass cannot be cut once tempered. Tempered glass has high heat resistance (up to 250°C or more), while regular glass has low heat resistance. Single Paned Windows vs Multi Pane Windows vs Fire Rated Windows Single-Pane Glass Pros: Inexpensive and easy to replace Cons: Breaks easily under radiant heat, allowing flames and embers to enter the home. Fire Resistance: Blocks initial flames and fumes but not heat radiation and will break easily under radiant heat exposure. Multi-Pane Glass (Standard) Pros: Offers better insulation and energy efficiency than single-pane glass. Cons: A dual-pane window's outer pane can break in a fire, potentially allowing the inner layer to remain for a short time, but does not prevent heat transfer. Fire Resistance: Provides some resistance to wind-driven embers but is more vulnerable than fire-rated alternatives. Multi-Pane Glass (Fire-Rated) Intumescent Glass : Special multi-layered glass with gel layers that expand to form a solid, protective layer when exposed to high temperatures, blocking heat. Tempered Glass : A stronger form of glass that is more resistant to heat and impacts than single-pane glass. Laminated Glass : Contains a plastic film in the core that holds broken glass in place, preventing embers from entering. Low-E Coatings : Reflect radiant heat, further enhancing the heat resistance of multi-pane units. Key Considerations for Fire Safety Specialized Fire-Rated Units: For genuine fire protection, windows must be specifically designed and tested to meet fire-resistance standards. This includes the frame and the glass. Embers and Heat: Fire-resistant glazing must block not only flames but also radiant heat and wind-blown embers. Protective Measures: Even with fire-resistant glass, installing exterior shutters can provide an added layer of protection. If you are like me, you are probably putting off new windows as long as possible as they are very expensive, but also will change the character of your home. If you are in the market for new windows, go for the longest fire rating you can afford. If you decide to stick with your original windows, you can still help those windows last longer in a fire. Hire a craftsman to replace each sash one by one, installing dual pane glass instead of single pane glass. Pilkington makes some great products that you can use when replacing your glass. Make sure that your craftsman accounts for the increased thickness of the glass. Lastly, paint your windows with a fire resistant paint to increase their resistance to ignition from embers. These interventions are significantly less protection in the event of a fire, but they are better than sticking with the original glass, frames and paint. Painting your Home In older homes, keeping up on the maintenance of wood trim and the exterior of our home will greatly enhance the protection of your home in the event of a fire. Over time, our homes shift and cracks develop where the siding and openings of our homes meet. These opening provide ample opportunity for embers to ignite our homes. Regularly maintaining these areas by replacing rotting wood, filling cracks and holes and keeping all woodwork painted will decrease the places for embers to collect in a fire. If you are planning to paint your home sometime soon, Its highly recommended for you to use a fire resistant paint as your primer. Fire Resistant coatings Firecoat Exterior Paint Firecoat exterior paint protects your home by acting as an intumescent coating, which expands and forms a thick, insulating char layer when exposed to extreme heat. This char layer acts as a protective barrier, preventing flames from reaching and igniting the underlying building materials, and thereby slowing the spread of fire. This process buys critical time for evacuation and emergency response, with the char layer potentially removable to restore the surface after the fire threat Watch the Firecoat Exterior Paint Test Sprinklers and Fire Retardant Exterior Fire Suppression Roof Sprinkler Systems There are many instances where rooftop sprinklers have proven to be effective in preventing a home from being ignited during a fire. However, there are important things to consider when looking at these systems as they are not a single solution towards fire protection. 1. Roof Sprinkler systems are largely ineffective during high wind events. They can be a good supplemental defense against embers, however, defensible space, 18/" or smaller mesh and cleaning of debris from your gutters will prove more effective in the long run. If you have done these things and are still considering a rooftop sprinkler system, just know that there is no mainstream research that has been done as to best practices when it comes to these systems. The pricier systems have more thought out applications, but simply sticking a garden sprinkler attached to your hose on your roof might be better than nothing, but not much. Australia has done the most research on these systems and as a country they have embraced sprinkler systems especially for homes deep in the Wildland Urban Interface. They have done enough implementation to have a study on their effectiveness during wind events. Rooftop Sprinklers - Australian Study Basically the study takes a look at sprinkler types, location, wind drift and water supply. As you design your system all of these things should be considered. A poorly thought out system will largely be ineffective. If you are serious about installing a sprinkler system whether DIY or professionally installed. Don't reinvent the wheel. We have done a lot of the research and can help you make the decision as to what kind of system would be best for you and your home. Reach out, we'd be happy to help. Remote Controlled, High End Options There are several companies out ther who are selling high end, remote controlled options when it comes to home sprinkler suppresion systems. They can be costly 40-100k depending on the applicationm however they offer remote monitoring, AI detection, as well as foam application as a last resort. Their installations are intelligent when it comes to sprinkler location offering the most protection at the eaves and other vulnerable parts of a home. Frontline Wildfire Defense Intelligent AI features, remote monitoring and triggering and well considered placement of sprinklers and foam nozzles Frontline is a premium option for sprinkler protection. Downsides are high expense and the occasional false trigger that can happen. Frontline is Credited with Protecting this Home in the Palisades Wetline Wildfire Defense Sprinkler systems as well as many other home hardening products, Wetline considers the whole home when offering products. A newer company, Wetline has less press about its success in wildfire events. Firefighting Pool Pumps If you have a swimming pool, a large water feature or would be interested in installing a backup water supply, then a firefighting pump could be an option for you. Pumps like these do require time to setup and deploy in the event of a fire, but they are extremely less expensive and can prove to be just as effective as a whole house system. While they don't offer options like remote triggering or monitoring, a pool pump could offer a single or double hose protection for as little as 2-3k or more extensive coverage for up to 20k. Traditionally, fire pumps are operated as a high pressure water pump attached to a gas powered motor. Higher end options work off of propane and have electronic ignitions as opposed to a pull start. Lower-end systems use plastic manifolds and couplings and higher end options offer brass manifolds and couplings. Brushfire battle systems has several options in their home defense arsenal. From pumps and a firehose to complete deployable sprinkler systems that can run for over 8 hours. They will help you design and implement your entire system even offering some remote triggering options. Designed as a DIY deployable system, Fire and Rain systems can be custom ordered to provide maximum protection of your home during fire events. These systems are more compact and lightweight as they use plastic components, but consider that they are meant for the homeowner to defend their property. They are not meant to be used to attack a fire head on, but to provide a defensive measure to lay down a moisture barrier and leave to evacuate. Things to consider when using a manually operated sprinkler system If you choose to go the way of DIY deployment and operation of a sprinkler system you'll save a lot of money. You'll also be taking on more risk. Deploying these systems takes time and sometimes fire does not allow for the time needed to set them up. Unless you are a fire professional, it is not recommended to stay and protect a home during a fire. If you use these systems, consider setting them up when red flag days are predicted. Have them at the ready to activate should a fire breakout. That way, if they are setup during these times, you can just turn them on as you evacuate. Smoke and Breathing/Exposure to Extreme Heat Remember, firefighters are trained to fight fire and they are using PPE to assist in breathing as well as heat resistant clothing. Fighting a fire without these interventions can lead to injury or death. Exposure to smoke alone can cause extreme health consequences or death. Water Supply Your firefighting pump will only be as good as your water supply. If you only have municipal water available, then you might want to consider other options. Firefighting Foam Many fire agencies employ firefighting foam in their tactics toward fire suppression. The higher end exterior fire sprinkler installation companies incorporate foam as part of their systems in preventing ignition. There are additional home defense options available when it comes to firefighting foam. Remote Controlled, Firefighting foam Application Much Like Frontline Wildfire Defense, Citrotech is a premium option designed for defense of your entire property. The system is a self-contained remotely activated sprinkler system that does not rely on utilities outside of electricity. Each system is equipped with a tank of their Patented, EPA Safer Choice certified CitroTech® solution. By routing copper or PVC pipes to sprinklers in locations determined by their Risk Assessment Team, CitroTech® can be deployed targeting nearby vegetation, in an effort to keep wildfire away from the home and reduce the risk of direct flame spread and ember attacks. With these systems, there are two options for proactive wildfire defense 1. Roof Mounted Defense Systems 2. Perimeter Defense System The main goal is to allow the customer to have peace of mind in deploying the systems allowing for home protection and safe evacuation. DIY Foam Application Firefighting foam is widely available for homeowners to purchase as a tool in protecting their homes against fire. How Fire Gel Protects a Structure These products can be applied structures or foliage to protect against ignition, lasting for days. It's important to give yourself enough time to apply the product on your house or foliage. This is a DIY preventative measure and takes time to apply appropriately. Fire foam/gel and the environment Many firefighting gels and foams claim to be biodegradeable and safe for the environment. Make sure to do the research on any products you are considering for your home defense as no long-term studies have been conducted on firefighting foam. The application of any such products should be considered as a last resort in protecting your home against fire. EPA Study on the Breakdown of Fluorine-Free Firefighting Foams and Their Effects on the Environment Exterior fire suppression systems Pros and Cons Pros Enhanced Safety: Provides an additional layer of protection by activating before or during a fire, slowing its spread and giving occupants more time to evacuate. Reduces Property Damage: Early suppression can significantly limit fire and smoke damage, potentially saving your home from catastrophic destruction. Increases Property Value: A property equipped with a reliable fire protection system is more attractive to potential buyers and can increase its overall value. Insurance Benefits: Insurers may offer reduced premiums for homes with active fire suppression systems. Regulatory Compliance: Installing a system can help meet local fire safety codes and regulations. Peace of Mind: Knowing your home is protected can provide significant peace of mind, especially in wildfire-prone areas. Cons High Upfront Costs: The initial installation of a residential sprinkler system involves significant costs for the system itself, plumbing, backflow preventers, and potentially a stored water source or booster pump. Ongoing Costs: Regular inspection and maintenance are required to ensure the system is functioning correctly. Risk of Water Damage: Although less than from firefighting hoses, water damage can still occur if the system activates accidentally or in a way that is not contained. Limited Effectiveness in Extreme Conditions: During wildfires, high winds can reduce the effectiveness of sprinklers, and the system may not be effective if a neighboring structure is fully engulfed in flames. Reliant on Water Supply: The system requires a reliable and sufficient water supply, which can be a challenge in some locations. Maintenance Challenges: In colder climates, pipes can freeze and burst, leading to extensive water damage. False Alarms/Malfunctions: There's a potential for accidental system activation due to malfunctions, though modern systems are designed to prevent this. On the Sci Fi End of Things A sci-fi like product worth mentioning. that aids in the protection of of a structure against fire, is a self deployed aluminum foil sysyem called firefoil Available as a whole house wrap or as custom sized, magnetically fastened window and door covers, this system claims to reflect 95% of radiant heat. For those with older homes with older windows, this could be a less expensive option to replacing window and doors. Important caveat's to consider would be: 1. Takes time and effort to deploy 2. Does not protect against smoke This system has been used and proven by fire professionals in defending large trees and historic structrures during a fire. See How Firefoil Works See How Firefoil Protects a Structure During a Fire A Study in Defensible Building The Vogts designed their Malibu house to withstand disasters. But they were only beginning to learn the mental toll the fires would take on them. A Malibu couple builds and stays to defend their home in the Woolsey Fire. Read about what they learned and what it cost to stay and defend their home. They Built Their Fireproof Dream Home. Even if It Lasted, Would They? - NY Times Article Urban Conflagaration a "large, destructive fire that spreads beyond natural or artificial barriers; it can be expected to result in large monetary loss and may or may not include fatalities. An urban conflagration moves beyond a block and destroys whole sections of a city. The Palisades and Eaton Fires Started as Wildfire but quickly became Urban Conflagrations. During an Urban Conflagration, the primary method of fire transmission is from house to house. Homes that Survived vs Ones that Did Not Because of current building codes and requirements, newer homes are built to be more resilient against fire. Newer designs build ember resistance into the construction and architecture of the home itself. For those with older homes in the VHFHSZ, we take a look at homes that have survived wildfire and compare them to those that did not. The conclusions are never 100%. Fire is a force like that of a tornado. It can be unpredictable and can skip some homes, but not others. Defensible space and home hardening provide the best chances for your home's survival. If you follow the basics(Roof, Eaves, Vent, Attic and Defensible Space) you are not only providing the best chance for your home's survival, but you are also creating space for firefighters to take a chance in saving your home. In a large urban conflaguration, fire agencies are forced to pick and choose those structures that have the best chance for survival vs those that do not. Following the basics, will give your home the best chance possible. Here are some success stories of homes that were saved by home hardening, forethought and heroism. Altadena Man's Fire Resistance Home Survives the Eaton Fire A Youtuber Looks into why These Homes Survived the LA Fires A Pool Pump is Credited with Saving a Family's Home An Altadena Man Saves His and His Neighbor's Homes House to House fire transmission As with wildland fire, urban fire transmits through embers. Homes provide an abundant and long lasting fuel source in an urban conflagration. When ignited, homes can project embers as high as 100' and produce those embers for hours at a time as the home burns everything inside. To protect a neighborhood, residents must work together to prevent fire spread from home to home. Defensible space and home hardening are the most effective method in preventing fire transmission. Brush Clearance Brush clearance is the process of creating "defensible space" around homes and structures by removing dead, dry, and flammable vegetation, which helps to prevent and slow the spread of wildfires. The goal is to reduce the available fuel, limiting fire's ability to climb from the ground into trees and spread to structures. Clearing brush is part of creating defensible space around your home and is required when living in the hills of Los Angeles County . It is one part of the entire equation. Intelligent landscape management is part of property resiliency to wildfire. When beginning brush clearance at the end of every rainy season, here is a quick set of guidelines to help determine the scope of your project. 1. Trees touching/overhanging structure: Remove limbs within five feet of any structure, and within 10 feet from any chimney outlet. Trim trees up to six feet or one third their height. 2. Vines and climbing plants: Remove from all structures. 3. Hedges and screens between homes: Reduce and maintain to a height of no greater than eight feet. Remove them if they are within 5 feet of the home. 4. Remove large shrubs under windows. 5. Ground cover: Maintain at 18-inch maximum height. 6. Dead vegetation: Remove all dead material within 100 feet of structures. When it comes to fire, not all plants are created equal. It is encouraged, when possible, to consult an arborist or fire professional when trimming or removing trees and plants from around your home. Here are some of the most common types of vegetation found in our neighborhood and some guidelines on what to do with them when they are around your home. Guidelines for Specific Plants 2. Junipers: Remove within 10 feet of any structure. 3. Bougainvillea: Remove from all structures. 4. Wisteria/Trumpet Vines/Creeping Fig, etc.: Remove from all structures. 5. Palms: All palm trees should be free of dead or dying fronds. Consider removing unmaintained trees. 6. Pines: Maintain all pines free of dead material. 1. I talian Cypress: Remove if the center of the trunk is within 10 feet of any structure. A Guide to Ornamental Plants and Defensible Space Elemental Green - Firewise Landscaping Moisture level - the amount of moisture that a fuel source has. Live vegetation has more than dead vegetation. The amount of time between one rainy season to another will also affect the moisture level of live fuel sources. Super heated dry periods can "kiln dry" vegetation, killing it or pushing it into drought conditions. Well hydrated vegetation can help protect your home. Take care of your trees and plants. The Woolsey Fire - A Study in Defensible Space The Woolsey Fire was a wildfire that started in Los Angeles County and spread north to neighboring Ventura County .The fire ignited on November 8, 2018, and was not fully contained until November 21, 2018. The fire burned 96,949 acres of land, destroyed 1,643 structures, killed three people, and prompted the evacuation of more than 295,000 people. Before and after satellite images of one block in Malibu showed how many trees did not burn, when structures did. In fact, these pictures go further to show that when Zone Zero brush clearance protocols are observed, a home has a much higher chance of survival during a wildfire. The homes that burned had vegetation within the Zone Zero defensible space. Even if the vegetation itself wasn't the cause for fire spread, the leaf litter contained within the vegetation would be the most likely culprit. Starting in 2026 a new ordinance will go into effect that will govern what we can have around our homes in the VHFHSZ. The Zone Zero Ordinance. What we know. Originating from Assembly Bill 3074 (2020) , the final rules are expected in 2025 from the state's Board of Forestry and Fire Protection , with enforcement starting on new construction and later for existing homes. The goal is to prevent home ignition from embers during wildfires, and property owners will need to replace combustible landscaping and materials with non-combustible alternatives like gravel or concrete within this zone. Key Aspects of the Zone Zero Ordinance Purpose: To create a fire-free perimeter around structures to stop embers from igniting a home. Location: The rules apply to properties located in areas designated as "very high" fire hazard severity zones (FHSZ). The Zone: A five-foot strip immediately surrounding a home. What to Remove: All combustible materials within this zone, including: Grass, weeds, and dead plants Combustible mulches (bark, wood chips) Eaves and branches within a specified distance from the roof and structure Wooden fences or arbors attached to the home What to Use Instead: Hardscaping, such as gravel, concrete, or pavers. Exemptions: Potted plants in non-combustible containers and well-maintained mature trees can be exceptions under certain conditions. Implementation Timeline Law Enacted: California Assembly Bill 3074 was passed in 2020. Rule Finalization: The final rules were expected before the end of 2025 from the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. Enforcement on New Construction: Rules will likely take effect immediately upon the final approval of the regulations. Enforcement on Existing Structures: Property owners will have a grace period (expected to be three years) after the final rules are approved to comply with the new standards. Home Hardening Products, Services, Brush Clearance, Risk Management Services, Home Firefighting We've gone through the California Firesafe Council's vendor list and added the most pertinent one's to our site with links below. We've added some of our own as well. You can download the full California Firesafe Council's Vendor List below. A lot of the vendors on that list are for all California Ecosystems and may not apply to you and your property. Gutter Guards brandguardvents.com Ember Resistant Mesh wildfiredefensemesh.com firestormbuildingproducts.com Fireproof Foundation Vents brandguardvents.com vulcanvents.com firestormbuildingproducts.com Building Products rockwool.com Fireproof Attic Vents vulcanvents.com Whole House Wildfire Sprinkler Systems emberguardpro.com frontlinewildfire.com Vegetation Fire Retardant Treatment Citrotech Fire Retardant clorefr.com Wildfire Firefighting Carts brushfirebattlesystems.com firesafesigns.com primofirepumps.com Whole Home Fireproof Wraps firefoil.com brandguardvents.com ohagin.com Fire Resistant Paint Firecoat Exterior Paint Alternatives to Wood Decking, Siding, Fencing fortressbp.com mwfsolutions.com saferwood.com Property Assessment californiafiresafesolutions.com armorprosolutions.com blazeblockers.com Companies that do Home Hardening 2mcfire.com allriskshield.com armorprosolutions.com blazeblockers.com allriskshield.com armorprosolutions.com blazeblockers.com californiafiresafesolutions.com Brush Clearance, Arbor Management and landscape design arborworksinc.om driforest.com formLA.com californiafiresafesolutions.com Private Fire Brigade allriskshield.com Emergency Preparedness perci.us Download the Complete California Firesafe Council Vendor List Community Fire Hardening The best way for our communities to withstand today’s reality of large, fast-moving wildfires is by working together. When neighbors join forces to harden their homes, create defensible space, and follow shared emergency plans, we greatly increase our collective chance of protecting our neighborhoods during a fire. Here are some ways to get engaged and work with your neighbors to make your communities safer. Join the Firesafe Council Our organization is made of many hillside communities, but we are always better together. Reach out and join forces with us so that we focus our efforts and talents towards improving the fire resilience of our hillside communities. Join the Firesafe Council Become a Firewise Community A Firewise Community is a neighborhood that takes organized, collective action to reduce its vulnerability to wildfire by implementing safer home construction, landscaping practices, and consistent property maintenance. It can be made up of 5-10 houses or more. This collaborative effort involves residents, local fire departments, and other authorities working together to create a safer environment and minimize home losses during wildfires. How Firewise Communities Work Action Plan: Based on the assessment, the community develops a three-year action plan outlining specific measures to reduce wildfire risk, which can include community-wide projects and individual homeowner actions. Education and Engagement: The program emphasizes ongoing education and outreach to residents on wildfire prevention and preparedness, often through community work parties and awareness campaigns. Recognition: Communities receive Firewise USA® recognition for their efforts, which can provide benefits like free street signs and potential insurance discounts. Annual Renewals: To maintain their status, communities must submit annual renewals detailing their wildfire risk reduction activities. Assessment: Communities start by forming a volunteer board or committee and conducting a wildfire risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement. Benefits of Being a Firewise Community Reduced Home Loss: Research shows that homes in Firewise communities are more likely to survive wildfires. Improved Firefighter Safety: These communities provide a safer environment for firefighters to operate in when protecting homes. Community Empowerment: Residents gain knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their properties from wildfire threats. Increased Property Value: Homes within a recognized Firewise community may be considered more insurable and valuable. Find out more about becoming a Firewise Community Create a Chipper Days Program on your block or in your neighborhood Chipper Days are community wood-chipping events organized by a city, fire-safe council, HOA, or local fire department to help residents reduce wildfire fuel. Here’s what they typically mean: Purpose Encourage homeowners to clear brush, tree limbs, and other vegetation from their property to create defensible space. Provide a free or low-cost way to dispose of cut vegetation, so it doesn’t pile up or get burned. Reduce the overall fuel load in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). How It Works Residents cut and stack branches, shrubs, and small trees on their property or at a pickup point. A chipper crew comes on a scheduled day to grind the material into mulch. Some programs offer curbside pickup, others have a drop-off site. The mulch may be left with the homeowner (to use in landscaping) or hauled away. Why It Matters in Fire-Prone Areas (like Hollywood Hills) Cutting and removing ladder fuels and dead branches slows wildfire spread. It’s easier and cheaper than hiring a private hauler. Many insurance and fire-safety programs recommend or require it. Create events or throw a Wildfire Awareness Week for your community. Typical Goals Teach residents how wildfires start and spread (wind- vs fuel-driven, ember showers, home ignition zones). Show practical steps: hardening homes, clearing vegetation, preparing go-bags, evacuation planning. Build neighborhood connections so people look out for one another before and during fire events. Promote local resources (LA Fire Dept., Fire Safe Councils, Ready, Set, Go! programs, insurance updates). Education & Demonstrations Live ember storm demo (wind machine + glowing embers to show how vents and decks ignite). Home hardening stations — samples of 1/8" mesh for vents, Class-A roof shingles, ember-resistant gutters. Brush clearance how-to — what to cut, how far from structures, safe disposal. Evacuation prep table — go-bag checklist, pet prep, water/backup power displays. Insurance Q&A — wildfire coverage, mitigation discounts. Services & Resources Chipper Day tie-ins — sign-ups or vouchers for brush removal. Fire department trucks on display (kids love it — great community builder). Free smoke detectors / weather radios or ember-resistant vent covers. Sign-ups for local emergency alerts (NotifyLA, ReadyLAFire). Family & Community Food trucks, coffee, music (often local bands). Kids’ corner with coloring books (“Only You Can Prevent Wildfires” mascots). Neighborhood history table (e.g., 1933 Griffith Park fire, local fire photos). Raffles or giveaways (fire extinguishers, hose nozzles, vent screens). Offer Prizes for Residents who have done the most in improving their property when it comes to fire. Where & When They Happen HOA clubhouses, fire stations, parks, or school lots. Often tied to Wildfire Preparedness Week (May) or National Fire Prevention Week (October). Organized by Fire Safe Councils, HOAs, local fire departments, city agencies, or neighborhood councils. What Works Well Visual, hands-on demos (residents remember seeing embers sucked into vents). Localized maps showing evacuation routes, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). Personal stories from past fires — powerful motivator. Community sign-ups for neighborhood watch/fire safety groups. Some Notable Tech for Communities From the Firesafe California vendor list, here are a couple of interesting products that could help your community in the event of a fire. Wildfire detection for communities Lindsey Firesense offers a fire ignition sensor that can detect and report a fire within 2 minutes of ignistion. Each FIREBird device provides: Continuous, 360-degree, monitoring provided by 14 wildfire-specific thermal detectors and optical cameras 2-minute detection-to-reporting time (typical) Measurement of fire-critical weather data including windspeed, wind direction, temperature and humidity Right-of-way condition monitoring Self-contained cellular communications Integrated web reporting Community Emergency Planning Blue Flamingo Inc. Equipped with unique experience in pre-fire and post-fire education, Blue Flamingo brings expertise in disaster + evacuation preparedness/ post-emergency communications/public outreach/vegetation management/ community education, and engagement. Strategy/Action Plans/Comm Plans/Print/ Digital/Social/Reporting. Award-winning, state-recognized public education programs. We help you secure and maintain funding. The Waldo Canyon Fire - a study of pre-fire mitigation and it's effectiveness The Waldo Canyon Fire was a destructive, human-caused wildfire in June 2012 that burned 18,247 acres in Colorado Springs, destroying 346 homes, killing two people, and forcing the evacuation of over 32,000 people. It was the first opportunity to do a post-fire study of a fire-adapted community. Cedar Heights was the most successful neighborhood in pre-fire mitigation during the Waldo Canyon Fire. While other areas suffered significant losses, no homes were destroyed in Cedar Heights due to proactive, multi-faceted fire prevention strategies. Key mitigation factors in Cedar Heights included: Creating a firebreak: The community created an 80-foot fuel buffer by removing vegetation and establishing a firebreak on its perimeter. This separation effectively stopped the fire from spreading into the community. Fuel reduction and defensible space: The community and individual homeowners focused on thinning scrub oak, trimming low tree branches, and creating defensible space around structures. The city's wildfire mitigation program was instrumental in assisting residents with these efforts. Community-wide coordination: The success was a direct result of strong cooperation and communication between residents, fire officials, and local government. An informed and active community that shared responsibility for mitigation was a primary element of success. Financial Factors At a cost benefit ratio of 1/257 $300,000 was spent on mitigation and $77,248,301 in losses was avoided. Success was only possible because pre-fire mitigation was conducted at the individual and community levels. For details on home hardening and pre-fire mitigation, The Waldo Canyon Summary is a fantastic resource for further reading on what this post fire study revealed. Download the Waldo Canyon Fire Summary Home Insurance CSAA / AAA Home Insurance Offers a "Fortify Your Residence" discount up to 15% for comprehensive wildfire-hardening efforts. Alternatively, a "Fortify Your Residence Lite" discount of 5% is available for partial mitigation efforts. You can also get a "Fortify Your Community" discount of 5% if your community qualifies (e.g., Firewise USA Site). These can stack, so reaching a combined total of up to 20% is plausible.CSAA Insurance From October 10, 2025 onward, the program transitions to “My Home Hardening Discount,” up to 12.5%, tied to Department of Insurance and IBHS guidelines.CSAA Insurance California FAIR Plan As the insurer of last resort, FAIR Plan now offers structured discounts: Up to 5% for immediate surroundings protection (defensible space, ember zone). 10% for structural hardening (Class A roofing, fire-resistant vents, multi-pane windows, etc.). 10% if your home is in a recognized Firewise USA Community. You could potentially stack these for a total discount of up to 24.5% on your dwelling fire premium. What You Can Do Next Assess Your Current Insurance Contact your provider or agent to find out if you qualify for any existing wildfire mitigation discounts. Ask for your wildfire risk score and what specific upgrades would help reduce it. Consider Your Coverage Options If you're with the FAIR Plan, work with your broker to apply for the up-to-24.5% discount opportunities. If you're looking for new coverage, CSAA / AAA could offer generous discounts if your property and community meet the criteria. Document Your Upgrades Keep photos, invoices, or certifications of any mitigation actions—these will be essential for claiming discounts. Build Community Resilience Joining or forming a Firewise USA Community can not only increase safety but also unlock additional insurance savings. The Trauma of Losing Everything When it comes to hardening your home and creating defensible space on your property many people might prefer to take their chances in order to live in the lush landcaping they have created for their home. Home hardening and defensible space creation is the best chance for your home surviving wildfire. Perhaps you have insurance and know that you can rebuild, so the financial aspect of losing your home is taken care of. I would implore you to consider the emotional trauma of losing your home, uprooting your life and trying to rebuild. In our neighborhood, new construction will never be the same as many of the historic homes we own. New construction will be required to comply with newer building codes, zone zero defensible space and fire hardened vegetation. Insurance premiums could be unaffordable in an area devastated by wildfire. What will your property be worth then? If our communities can work together to create safer neighborhoods for fire, insurance companies and firefighters might just see that we are worth the risk of insuring or worth risking their lives to save. Investing in fire hardening your home over the next three years could save you the trauma of losing everything. If you are ready to get started on home hardening or brush clearance projects and don't know where to start, request a fire assessment on your property! The Firesafe Council as well as MySafeLA offer free assessments for your home to guide you on how to get started. Request a Fire Assessment for Your Property from MySafeLA Reach out to the Firesafe Council for a Wildfire Assessment of Your Property Now that you know everything home hardening and defensible space, let's prepare for emergencies. Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness You've done the basics. 1/8" mesh or smaller has been installed on your attic and vent spaces. You have class A fire rated roof. You've cleared leaf litter, from your roof, eaves and 0-5' around your house. A red flag alert has been issued for 3 days from now. What do you do? 1. Prepare Yourself 2. Prepare Your Property 3. Prepare for Evacuation Prepare Yourself Create a family emergency plan. How many people live at your house? Make a plan for each one of them. Where they will be on a given day. What to do if an emergency breaks out. Where do you all meet up. How will you communicate. Take your go-bag with you, have one in your car, or have it at the ready at your home. Prepare your gobag. Make Copies of all of your important documents(Birth Certificates, Passports, Driver's Licenses, your will, Power of Attorney, Next of Kin, etc.) Have 3 days supply of your perscpriptions at the ready Pack 3 days of water, food, and clothing Pack Medical supplies. Be prepared to hike out of a dangerous area. Pack masks, and breathing filters. Keep your vehicle fuel or battery at 1/2 capacity or better Know your evacuation routes and backup routes. Make sure your vehicle has plenty of battery or fuel. Consider leaving your vehicle in a place that you can hike to should evacuation routes become clogged with traffic. Prepare Your Property Remove leaf litter from around your house, in your gutters. Haven't cleared your leaf litter from your roof or gutters? Is there still time? Doing so could save your home. Make sure tree limbs are cut and do not come within 6 feet of structures. Do you have any tree limbs within 6 feet of your roof line? Should time permit, Remove them when a red flag day is predicted. Remove all flammable materials, plants, furniture, etc. 5 feet from your home. Move your patio furniture, potted plants, any flammable material to outside 5' of your home. Furniture and potted plans can act as ladder fuels for embers. Make sure fireproof mesh is installed to all foundation and attic vents. Haven't installed 1/8" mesh or smaller on your attic or foundation vents? There's still time, it doesn't take long and it is readily available at your local hardware store. If you have a pool pump or fire sprinkler system, set it up for red flag days so it's ready. Do you have a pool? Do you have a fire pool pump? Set it up before there's an emergency. Set it up and prepare it when a red flag day is predicted. Do you have firefoil? Do you have anything you need to install to help protect your home before evacuation? The time to do it is when red flag days are predicted. Prepare for Evacuation Sign up for Los Angeles Emergency Alerts Make sure you are signed up for emergency alerts through your city. The protocol is to announce evacuations by zone via emergency alerts. Sign up for Red Flag Day Alerts Sign up so you know when red flag days are predicted. If you are prepared every time they are predicted(4 times a year), then evacuation can be done without stress, without second guessing your choices. Download the Watch Duty App The watch duty app is one of the most effective for our area. Do Not rely on it to predict fire in your area. Rely on your neighbors, rely on your senses. Rely on your instincts. The watch duty app can help you predict where the next fire could start. Local Weather and wind information Are there local weather stations in your area? Know the wind location and wind speed of the weather in your area. This information can help you predict where the fire will spread. Where you can evacuate, what route you will take. Consider Traffic Backups and Congestion. If Possible, leave before an evacuation is ordered. Local Weather Stations Ambient Weather Station is a great app to have on your phone, especially if neighbors have weather stations on their property. Residents on ridgelines have the most accurate information for wind speed and direction. Evacuate Its never an easy decision to make. When your zone is called, evacuate. It is not worth your life to try and save your home with a garden hose. The 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California 's Butte County was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. The fire began on the morning of November 8, 2018, when part of a poorly maintained Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) transmission line in the Feather River Canyon failed during strong katabatic winds . Those winds rapidly drove the Camp Fire through the communities of Concow , Magalia , Butte Creek Canyon , and Paradise , largely destroying them. The fire burned for another two weeks, and was contained on Sunday, November 25, after burning 153,336 acres. The Camp Fire caused 85 fatalities, displaced more than 50,000 people, and destroyed more than 18,000 structures, causing an estimated US$16.5 billion in damage. What we can learn from the Camp Fire The 2018 Camp Fire & Paradise Evacuation: Evacuation challenges and failures Delayed or insufficient alerts Many residents did not receive evacuation notices in time, or at all. The emergency alert system failed in many places due to human error, system issues, and lack of redundancy. Around 17 cell towers were lost early in the fire, impairing communications. Roads and traffic bottlenecks Paradise’s road network had limited exit routes; some roads had been narrowed in prior years, reducing evacuation capacity. As residents fled, roads became gridlocked. In some cases, fire overtook vehicles. Some residents abandoned their vehicles and attempted to flee on foot. Trapped or cut-off areas The fire’s speed and shifting winds meant that some areas were overtaken before evacuation could occur. Some escape routes were severed by fire or smoke. Evacuation of special facilities Hospitals, patient wards, and other health facilities needed to be evacuated under dire conditions. Firefighters had to shift to saving life over property in many cases. The Palisades Fire was a highly destructive wildfire that began burning in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County on January 7, 2025, and grew to destroy large areas of Pacific Palisades , Topanga , and Malibu before it was fully contained on January 31, after 24 days. One of a series of wildfires in Southern California driven by powerful Santa Ana winds , it burned 23,448 acres (9,489 ha; 94.89 km2; 36.638 sq mi), killed 12 people, and destroyed 6,837 structures, making it the tenth-deadliest and third-most destructive California wildfire on record and the most destructive to occur in the history of the city of Los Angeles .[3] [4] [5] What we can learn from the Palisades and Eaton Fires The Palisades Fire began in the Santa Monica Mountains and rapidly spread under strong Santa Ana winds, destroying thousands of structures and claiming at least 12 lives. The Eaton Fire ignited in Eaton Canyon above Altadena, and spread into foothill communities. It became one of the deadliest and most destructive in California history, with 19 confirmed fatalities, over 9,000 destroyed structures, and large-scale evacuations. In both fires, conditions were extreme: high winds, rapidly moving fire fronts, loss of aerial firefighting capability early on, power outages, and multiple simultaneous fire zones. The county commissioned after-action reviews to assess the alert/evacuation systems and decision protocols. Key Lessons about Evacuation from Palisades & Eaton Fires 1. Timeliness of Alerts & Orders is Critical, but Often Delayed In the Eaton Fire, many residents, particularly in west Altadena, reported never receiving alerts at the onset, or getting them only after the fire had already advanced. In the after-action review, it was found that during the January fires, the process to confirm and issue an evacuation notice still took 20–30 minutes (an improvement from earlier systems that took ~60 min) — but even that lag can be too slow under fast-moving conditions. Some evacuation zones were designated in the field, then had to be communicated to emergency operations staff and entered into digital alert systems (Genasys EVAC / ALERT). That process introduced delays. In the Palisades Fire, because the fire began in daylight in a region more familiar with wildfire threats, initial coordination and alerting were somewhat better “pre-positioned.” But gridlock and road congestion still impeded movement. Takeaway: When fires move rapidly, every minute counts. Evacuation systems must minimize bureaucratic delay — ideally enabling frontline decision-makers to trigger alerts without many handoffs. 2. Interagency Coordination, Clear Command Structure, and Communications Are Weak Links The after-action reports noted that in both fires, agencies (fire, sheriff, emergency management) were overwhelmed, lacked unified coordination tools, and in some cases operated with unclear or outdated policies. The Sheriff’s Department was hampered by an aging dispatch system, reducing situational awareness and ability to coordinate with other agencies. Sometimes, LASD (sheriff) staff were not always immediately aware of evacuation zone decisions made by unified command, because they weren’t co-located when decisions were made. The Joint Information Center (for public messaging) was activated late in both incidents, slowing public communication. Because multiple fires were igniting simultaneously across the county, resources (personnel, vehicles, communications) were stretched thin, and mutual aid lines became constrained. Takeaway: A robust, practiced interagency command and communication infrastructure is essential — with redundant systems, real-time info sharing, and clarity about roles. Splitting authority or delays in consensus can cost lives. 3. Evacuation Routes & Infrastructure Limitations In the Palisades Fire, many roads became gridlocked. Some residents abandoned vehicles and fled on foot; bulldozers later had to clear nearly 200 stalled vehicles to make way for emergency access. The physical road network in many areas (narrow roads, few exits) is a known vulnerability; planners are now discussing adding or widening emergency routes. canibuild+1 In mountainous and remote zones, access was further constrained, making sheltering or safe egress more difficult. Shelter accessibility was also a challenge: a recent study found significant disparities in access to shelters in the Palisades and Eaton fires, especially for isolated or mountainous communities. Takeaway: Evacuation planning must consider the capacity and geometry of escape routes, existing bottlenecks, and the placement and capacity of shelters. Pre-identifying alternative routes and ensuring redundancy is critical. 4. Alert & Communication Systems Should Be Multi-Modal, Redundant, and Targeted In the Palisades area, a community-based evacuation app (zone-based) was used to send geo-targeted alerts, show maps, and give guidance. That kind of tool helps bridge gaps in traditional alerting. However, during the fires, public alerting sometimes lagged or was inconsistent. Some residents reported that they received alerts when flames were already visible. Evacuation warnings and orders must be clearly differentiated, and communication must reach all channels (cell alerts, sirens, radio, door-to-door, social media). The more channels, the better chance of reaching everyone. Takeaway: Alert systems must be fast, reliable, redundant, and localized. Integrating newer technologies (apps, GIS-based alerts) helps, but legacy systems must not be neglected. 5. Preplanning, Risk Awareness & Community Preparedness Matter The contrast between Palisades and Eaton is instructive: Palisades was more wildfire-aware and had stronger pre-positioning; Eaton struck at night in areas less accustomed to wildfire risk. After the Woolsey Fire, the county had already begun training, community awareness, and interagency planning, but many after-action reports say the implementation was still incomplete. Infrastructure changes (like road widening, alternative routes, evacuation design) had been suggested after past fires, but many were not fully realized before January 2025. Public education — including encouraging people to leave early, understanding evacuation zones, having “go” kits — is essential. Many people waited too long, believing they could stay or defend their homes. Takeaway: Preparedness before a disaster is as important as the response during it. Communities must be engaged in planning, drills, and understanding their risks. 6. Equity, Access, and Shelter Gaps The sheltered capacity was insufficient in many areas, leading to disparities in who could access safe refuge, especially in remote or less advantaged zones. In the Eaton Fire, most of the confirmed deaths were in west Altadena — an area that received later alerts and potentially had fewer resources. Infrastructure or communication vulnerabilities may disproportionately affect marginalized or isolated communities. Takeaway: Evacuation plans must explicitly incorporate equity: ensuring warnings, transportation, shelter, and assistance reach everyone, including vulnerable populations. Community Prepareness Emergency Communications CERT Volunteer Fire Brigade Neighborhood Watch Registration

A resource for Fire Hardening and Fire Education. Hollywood Hills Fire Safe Council The Hollywood Hills Fire Safe Council Inspire and empower our communities to mitigate the risks of fire through collaboration, education and the development of resources Get Involved Not sure where to start? Try Searching for what you're looking for! Click Here to Search Educate yourself on how fire impacts your home, your neighborhood and Southern California Resources and recommendations for home hardening, brush clearance and vegetation Be prepared for the unexpected Connect with neighbors, goverment, and safety officials, track fire safety legislation and make your voice heard.. Education & Prevention The History of Wildfire in Southern California Ecology and Fire Behavior Ecosystems How a Fire Grows A Modern Wildfire Crisis Understaning the Threat Life inside a VHFHSZ Prevention Brush Clearance & Home Hardening Top 10 Defensible Space Zone 1: Lean Clean & Green Home Hardening Retrofitting Older Homes Sprinkler Systems and Fire Retardant The Ultimate Fire Resistant House Brush Clearance Plant Guidelines Home Hardening Products The Waldo Canyon Fire Emergency Preparedness Prepare Yourself Prepare Your Home Prepare for Evacuation Community Engagement The Neighborhoods We Serve Our Partners in the Government Events Wildfire Preparedness Fair 2025 #homeSection #Education prevention About Us Events Updates Contact

Make a difference Our board members are all volunteers. We fundraise in order to put on educational events, pay for this website and put together projects to help our neighborhoods harden against fire. Any donation is welcome and helps us achieve our goals. A donation of $50 or more gets you a sticker as seen on the left. A Donation of $100 or more gets a t-shirt with the same image. Make sure and let us know your size in the comments. Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Yearly Yearly Amount $5 $5 $10 $10 $25 $25 $50 $50 $100 $100 Other Other 0/100 Comment (optional) Donate $50 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link

Contact information First name* Last name Email* Address Phone Additional information Submit

We can’t find the page you’re looking for This page doesn’t exist. Go to Home and keep exploring. Go to Home

Creating a family emergency plan is one of the most important things you can do for your family. Emergencies come up fast. When faced with having to act when one comes up, a well-prepared and rehearsed emergency plan will empower each member of your family to know what to do and how to do it. Whether your family is made up of just yourself and pets or you, your spouse and children, take the time to outline what everyone needs to do should an emergency strike. Here are the key considerations to make when preparing your plan. Meeting Locations: Near Home: Choose a safe place just outside your home, like a mailbox or a specific tree. This is for situations like a fire where you must leave the house quickly. Outside Your Neighborhood: Select a second, safe, and accessible place outside your neighborhood, such as a library or community center. This is a backup if you cannot get back to your home or community due to road closures. Evacuation Plan: Know Your Routes: Identify at least two ways to exit your home and practice these routes with your family. Transportation: Plan how you will get to your meeting location. Emergency Supplies Kit: Water and Food: Pack enough non-perishable food and water for at least three days. First Aid & Medications: Include a first-aid kit, prescription medications, and any necessary medical equipment. Important Documents: Keep copies of vital documents like insurance policies, identification, and medical records in a waterproof bag. Other Essentials: Add a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, cash, and any necessary supplies for pets or people with special needs. Special Needs Considerations: Address the specific needs of children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and pets in your plan and kit. Practice Your Plan: Hold regular family meetings to review the plan. Practice elements of your plan, like evacuation drills, to ensure everyone knows what to do. Update your plan regularly to reflect changes in family needs and local risks. Communication Plan: Out-of-Town Contact: Designate an out-of-town friend or relative as a central contact. They may be easier to reach during a widespread disaster than local contacts. Emergency Contact List: Create a list of phone numbers for family members, neighbors, and other important contacts. Texting Preference: In an emergency, communication lines can be overloaded. Encourage family members to text, not talk, to leave lines open for emergency services. This site will help you evaluate your home, prepare your home and family and make an emergency plan. Close

! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us.

Request a Fire Assessment for your Property Request a Fire Assessment for your Property Contact information First name* Last name Email* Address Phone How can we help? Email Submit

What to pack in your Go-Bag Go-Bags are personal items. There are the essentials, but take time to consider what it is you would want in an emergency that you can carry. Design it carefully. Design it thoughtfully. Here is an overall guide that can help you begin. 1. EssentialsPhoto ID, driver’s license, passportCash (small bills) & credit cardsCar keys and house keysCell phone and charger (portable power bank strongly recommended)Printed list of contacts (family, doctor, insurance, emergency numbers) 2. Health & SafetyPrescription medications (3–7 days supply)First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, pain relief, tweezers, etc.)N95 masks (for smoke inhalation)Spare eyeglasses or contactsBasic hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wipes, hand sanitizer, feminine products 3. Clothing & ProtectionChange of clothes (natural fibers are safer around heat)Sturdy shoes or bootsLong pants and long-sleeve shirtHat and work glovesJacket or light blanket 4. Tools & LightFlashlight (extra batteries or hand-crank)Multi-tool or Swiss Army knifeWhistle (to signal for help)Duct tape (compact roll) 5. Food & WaterWater: 1 gallon per person per day (or portable bottles + purification tablets)Nonperishable snacks: energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, canned food, MREsCan opener (if packing canned food) 6. Important Documents (in a waterproof pouch)Home and auto insurance papersProperty deed or leaseMedical recordsPet vaccination recordsUSB drive with digital copies of all above 7. PetsFood, leash, collar, carrierBowls and waste bagsVet contact info and medications 8. Navigation & CommunicationPaper map (don’t rely on cell service)Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA or local emergency channels)Written evacuation routes and meeting points 9. Personal TouchSmall comfort items: photos, book, child’s toyNotebook and pen for notes or instructions Tips for the Hollywood Hills / WUI AreasKeep Go Bags near exits (front door, garage, car).Store an extra mini-kit in your vehicle in case roads close fast.Review and refresh contents every 6 months (update meds, swap expired food).Make sure everyone in the household knows where it is and what’s inside. See Cal-Fire's Go-Bag List Firesafe Marin's Go-Bag Page Preppi is a popular site to build a Go-Bag Close