We are in the heart of wildfire season in the greater Tahoe area. If you own a home here, or are looking to buy one, it’s imperative that you protect your investment from wildfire, which is a real threat.
Bookmark this page as a resource to make sure your home is protected in the case of a wildfire.
Step One: Harden Your Home
Hardening your home against fire involves taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of a fire starting and spreading.
Use this resource to identify and harden each area of your home, including the roof, decks, windows, siding, and more. https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Preparedness/Building/
If you have a business, use this resource to ensure your building survives a wildfire: https://ibhs.org/wildfirereadybusiness/
Step Two: Create Defensible Space
Defensible space is key to protecting your home, creating an open space between vegetation and your house. Three zones extend from 5 feet to 100 feet surrounding your structure. Each zone has specific guidelines for debris removal and management.
Truckee Fire offers free defensible space inspections to residents looking to learn about and improve defensible space around their properties. Defensible Space Inspections are required for real estate transactions, short term rentals, and building permit finals.
Learn more about the defensible space zones and inspections for Truckee residents at https://www.truckeefire.org/dspace.
If you’re in North Lake Tahoe, learn about free property inspections that include a report of findings along with educational materials so you can comply with local defensible space requirements at https://www.ntfire.net/defensible-space-program.
Quick Checklist to Protect Your Home from Wildfire Now
Survey the area around your property and check these boxes off for a more protected home. (From National Fire Protection Association.)
- Clean gutters of dead leaves, debris, pine needles, etc.
- Repair/replace loose/missing roof shingles/tiles
- Install ⅛ inch metal mesh screening in all vents
- Clean debris from exterior attic vents
- Repair/replace damaged windows and screens
- Screen or block areas below decks and patios
- Move flammable materials away from wall exteriors
- Remove anything stored beneath decks/porches
