Fire Break
Fire Break
Fire Break
At NFPA, we spend a lot of time working to better educate residents about ways to reduce their
homes’ risk to wildfire. But in that process, as we frequently speak of the home ignition zone and
what actions to take, we sometimes forget that this entire concept may be completely new to
some people.
With that in mind I'd like to review what the home ignition zone is and its first component - the
home and the immediate area.
The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) - a concept coined by retired USFS researcher Dr. Jack Cohen
– centers around the concept that the condition of the home (what it is made of and its state of
repair) and the vegetation surrounding it, out to 100 feet, have the biggest influence on whether
or not a home will ignite from a wildfire. Original research by Dr. Cohen and additional research
from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) show that the home and the
first 0 to 5 feet around the structure, known as the immediate zone or noncombustible zone,
has the greatest impact on your risk and should be your starting point for reducing risks.
The HIZ is critical due to the primary source of home ignition: embers and small surface flames.
The goal is to keep embers out, creating a 5-foot buffer where they or surface fires can't reach
your house.
Clean up any debris, such as leaves, needles, and branches, from your roof and gutters.
Check the 0-5 feet around the base of your home and attached structures, such as a deck, for
any debris. Keep this area clear and well-maintained.
Replace wood mulch products with non-combustible alternatives, such as crushed
stone/gravel options.
Create a walkway with non-combustible materials like concrete or pavers.
If there are trees or shrubs next to the home, make sure they aren't overhanging the roof,
gutters, or chimneys. Keep shrubs trimmed and trees pruned.
For more tips and resources that you can share with family, friends, and neighbors, visit
our Preparing Homes for Wildfire page. By spending a little time on these types of projects, you
can greatly improve the chances of your home withstanding a wildfire, gaining greater peace of
mind in the process.
Important Notice: Any opinion expressed in this column (blog, article) is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily
represent the official position of NFPA or its Technical Committees. In addition, this piece is neither intended, nor should it be
relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services.