Ready: Prepare for Wildfire Before it Strikes

Wildfires are a year-round threat in Southern California. The first step in protecting your home and family is to be READY—which means taking proactive measures to reduce wildfire risk before an emergency occurs.

Downloadable Documents: Before a Wildfire

Create Defensible Space

A well-maintained property can significantly increase your home’s chances of surviving a wildfire. Follow these key defensible space guidelines:

• Zone 1 (0-5 feet from your home)
• Zone 2 (5-30 feet from your home)
• Zone 3 (30-100 feet from your home)

Downloadable Documents: Wildfire Prepared Home /  Defensible Space / Immediate Zone Clearance

Harden Your Home

Ember-resistant construction can make the difference between survival and destruction. Wind-driven Ember Storms are the leading cause of home ignitions during wildfires. These embers can travel miles ahead of the fire front, landing on roofs, in gutters, and in small openings where they can smolder and ignite structures. Consider these upgrades:

• Install Class A fire-rated roofing (metal, tile, or asphalt shingles).
• Use ember-resistant vents and cover attic openings with 1/8-inch mesh screens.
• Replace wood fences with non-combustible materials near your home.
• Upgrade windows to dual-pane tempered glass to resist heat.
• Seal gaps and cracks in eaves, decks, doors, garage doors and siding to prevent ember entry.

For more information on ways to harden your home click on the following home features:

Vegetation Management on Your Property

The vegetation on your property plays a critical role in wildfire resilience. Thoughtfully selecting, placing, and maintaining fire-resistant plants can slow the spread of fire and reduce ember ignition risks. Proper vegetation management focuses on breaking the continuity of fuels from the ground to the tree canopy, reducing the ability of fire to climb and spread.

• Choose Fire-Resistant Plants – Opt for plants with high moisture content, low resin, and minimal dead material. Avoid highly flammable species like juniper, pine, and eucalyptus.
• Maintain Regularly – Remove dead leaves, branches, and dry grasses. Prune trees to eliminate ladder fuels and maintain separation between plants.
• Break Fuel Continuity – Prevent fire from traveling by creating space between shrubs and trees, using hardscaping elements like gravel or stone, and keeping grasses well-trimmed.

By combining home hardening with strategic vegetation management, you can significantly improve your property’s resilience to wildfire.

Downloadable Documents: Vegetation Management / Dead and Dying Vegetation Removal / Undesirable Vegetation List

Plan Ahead with Your Family

Wildfires can spread rapidly, so having a family emergency plan is critical:

• Identify multiple evacuation routes from your home and neighborhood.
• Designate a meeting place in case family members get separated.
• Sign up for emergency alerts through AlertOC Brochure or AlertOC Online.
• Practice evacuation drills at least twice a year.
• Familiarize yourself with City Evacuation Map.
• Assemble an Emergency Supply kit and make sure its accessible for quick evacuation.

Assemble an Emergency Go Bag /  Kit

Prepare a Go Bag / Kit with essential supplies in case you need to evacuate quickly:

✅ Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, deeds)
✅ Medications and first aid supplies
✅ Flashlights, batteries, and a portable phone charger
✅ Non-perishable food and water (for 3+ days)
✅ Extra clothes, sturdy shoes, and personal hygiene items
✅ Pet supplies (if applicable)

Downloadable Documents: Emergency Go Bag / Emergency Kit

Stay Informed

The Newport Beach Fire Department is committed to keeping our community safe. For additional resources and or assistance:

• If you have questions, concerns, or inquiries please contact: 949-644-3106 or email nbfdwildland@nbfd.net or to request an inspection NBFD Wildland Inspection Request Form or Home Assessment.

• Ready for Wildfire: readyforwildfire.org for additional tips and tools.
• Cal Fire Guidelines: Review the state’s recommendations for defensible space.