Construction and Building Location

• Building site location is critical to reducing fire danger.

• Locate the building away from ridge tops, canyons, and areas between high points on a ridge.

• Consider installing a sprinkler system within the house to protect your home.

Vents, Eaves, and Soffits

• Vents should be screened with metal wire that has 1/4 inch or less openings.

• Locate vents in the rather than soffit.

• Open eaves are a heat trap. Cover the eave with a soffit, best constructed flat.

Windows

• Tempered glass is best.

• Double pane glass is better.

• Single pane glass offers protection.

Decks

• Open wood decks are highly combustible.

• They trap hot air and have a high surface to volume ratio.

• Decks are often on the downhill side of the house and are susceptible to fire as fire burns uphill.

Exterior Siding

Good to best in descending order:

• Wood panels and boards

• Fiber cement panels and boards

• Synthetic stucco

• Metal with gypsum sheeting

• Stucco, real

• Heavy timber or logs

• Concrete

• Brick, stone, or block

Firewise Deck Construction

• Use non-combustible material.

• Use thicker wood material.

• Fully enclose deck.

• Build over garage.

• Use enclosed area as shed.

• Build a masonry or concrete wall with a stone or concrete patio below and in front.