The Complete Homeowner’s Checklist for Fireproofing in Southern California

If you live in Southern California, wildfire preparation isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Each year, hundreds of homes are lost not because owners didn’t care, but because small vulnerabilities went unnoticed until it was too late.

The good news? With the right fireproofing checklist, you can dramatically reduce your home’s wildfire risk — and gain peace of mind knowing your property is protected.

At Fireproof Home SoCal, we’ve created this complete homeowner’s checklist to help you identify, upgrade, and maintain every aspect of fire safety around your property.

Your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a wildfire.
Embers can land, smolder, and ignite if your roofing materials or gutters aren’t properly maintained.

• Ensure your roof has Class A fire-rated materials (metal, tile, or asphalt composite).
  
• Remove debris, leaves, and pine needles from gutters monthly.
  
• Install metal gutter guards to prevent ember buildup.
  
• Seal roof gaps or exposed underlayment with non-combustible flashing.

Embers are the leading cause of home ignitions. They can slip through vents, eaves, or small cracks.

• Install ember-resistant vents approved for WUI zones.
  
• Seal gaps around doors, windows, and wall joints with fire-rated caulk.
  
• Check soffit and attic vents for exposed screens or missing covers.
  
• Use 1/8-inch metal mesh to block ember intrusion where vent replacement isn’t possible.

Defensible space gives firefighters a safe zone to protect your home and prevents flames from spreading too close.

• Clear 100 feet of defensible space around your home (required by California law).
  
• Zone 1 (0–30 feet): Remove flammable plants and keep lawn green or irrigated.
  
• Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Space trees and shrubs 10+ feet apart.
  
• Keep tree branches at least 6–10 feet above the ground.
  
• Regularly remove dead vegetation and dry grass.

Exterior materials often determine whether your home resists or ignites during a wildfire.

• Replace wood siding with stucco, fiber cement, or fire-rated composite.
  
• Apply intumescent fireproof coatings on wooden decks and trims.
  
• Remove debris and combustible materials from under decks.
  
• Replace wood fences attached to the home with non-combustible materials like steel or masonry.

Choosing the right plants and materials can make a huge difference in your home’s wildfire survival.

• Use succulents, native California plants, or fire-resistant shrubs like ceanothus or manzanita.
  
• Replace bark mulch with gravel or stone ground cover.
  
• Keep plants low and spaced apart.
  
• Maintain irrigation systems to keep vegetation green and moist.
  
• Avoid dense hedges or climbing vines near walls and fences.

Even small openings can let heat or embers into your home.

• Upgrade to dual-pane tempered glass windows.
  
• Replace damaged or aging door seals.
  
• Add weather stripping to prevent ember intrusion.
  
• Install metal mesh screens over attic and crawl space openings.

Even the best fireproofing can’t guarantee zero risk, so preparation matters.

• Install smoke and heat detectors in every room.
  
• Keep a garden hose with metal nozzle connected year-round.
  
• Store fire extinguishers in accessible locations.
  
• Assemble a go-bag with essentials (documents, medications, chargers, etc.).
  
• Enroll in local wildfire alert systems like Ready San Diego or Cal Fire notifications.

Professional inspections catch hidden risks and ensure your home meets California’s latest fire safety regulations.

• Request a home vulnerability assessment from Fireproof Home SoCal.
  
• Inspect coatings, vents, and siding annually.
  
• Reapply fireproof coatings every 5–7 years.
  
• Get documentation to support insurance coverage and compliance.

Fireproofing your Southern California home isn’t a one-time task — it’s an ongoing commitment to safety. By following this checklist and partnering with fire safety professionals, you’ll build a home that’s stronger, safer, and far more resilient against wildfire danger.

At Fireproof Home SoCal, we combine industry-leading materials, advanced fireproofing techniques, and personalized assessments to help homeowners achieve true wildfire readiness.