Protect Your SoCal Home with Wildfire Perimeter Fencing Before It Is Too Late!

Wildfire experts, including the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), recommend keeping the first five feet around your home clear of anything flammable. This area is where wind-blown embers are most likely to land—and ignite.

Replace mulch and vegetation with gravel or hardscape, move wood piles away, and avoid placing anything combustible against your walls. This simple step can dramatically increase your home’s chances of surviving a wildfire.

Defensible space is the buffer between your home and the wildfire. It’s designed to reduce the intensity of flames, stop the spread of embers, and give firefighters a safer area to defend your property.

In Southern California, creating defensible space is not just smart—it’s often required by local fire codes. The goal is to strategically manage vegetation, landscaping, and debris in zones around your home:

• Zone 0 (0–5 feet): Keep this area completely free of flammable materials. Use gravel, pavers, or bare soil. No plants, mulch, or wooden furniture.
• Zone 1 (5–30 feet): Trim trees and shrubs, space plants thoughtfully, and remove dry leaves and pine needles regularly.
• Zone 2 (30–100 feet or to your property line): Mow grass low, thin out dense brush, and create horizontal and vertical separation between trees.

Defensible space doesn’t mean a bare yard—it means a fire-smart landscape. With proper planning, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that also acts as a barrier against wildfire.

Fencing is often overlooked in fire preparedness, but it can act as a dangerous fire pathway—especially when it connects directly to your home. During wildfires, embers can ignite wooden fences and carry flames straight to the structure.

To reduce this risk:

• Avoid attaching combustible fencing directly to the house. Use a 5-foot section of noncombustible material (like metal or masonry) where the fence meets your exterior wall.
• Choose fire-resistant materials for new fencing—such as steel, aluminum, or noncombustible composite boards.
• Keep vegetation and debris clear along fence lines, especially where they border your defensible space.
• Maintain gaps beneath fences to prevent dry material buildup.

Smart fencing choices can preserve both your privacy and protection, helping stop fire before it ever reaches your home.

Year-To-Date (YTD) is for current year, last year, and 5-year average, as of the “Updated” date indicated above.

Source: Cal Fire | Statistics

Wildfires in Southern California are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more unpredictable. With hotter temperatures and drier conditions, the risk to homes at the urban-wildland edge has never been higher.

One of the most effective ways to defend your property is by securing the perimeter with non-combustible fencing. Traditional wood fences can act like a fuse, carrying fire straight to your home. Instead, choose fire-resistant materials like aluminum, which won’t ignite when hit by embers or radiant heat.

By reinforcing your perimeter with the right materials and maintenance, you’re taking a smart, proactive step toward protecting your home from wildfire threats.

Secure your property post-fire with our temporary fencing rental package. Our full package includes:

• Durable fence screens for privacy and security
• Erosion control materials to protect your land
• First-come, first-serve availability

At Fireproof Home SoCal, we are committed to helping homeowners and businesses defend against wildfire threats. With a passion for fire prevention and a dedication to excellence, we provide cutting-edge solutions to keep your property safe. Our team of experts brings years of experience, ensuring reliable and effective fireproofing services.