Steve Hawks, IBHS Senior Director for Wildfire | LinkedIn
Researchers from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) have highlighted the importance of creating an ember-resistant buffer around homes to reduce the risk of ignition during wildfires. This initiative is especially timely as homeowners can utilize the upcoming Labor Day weekend to begin this protective measure.
Steve Hawks, IBHS Senior Director for Wildfire and a former CAL FIRE professional, suggests starting with a lush lawn and native landscaping extending up to five feet from the home. He advises using non-combustible materials like river rocks or steppingstones within this zone. "The upcoming Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to get started," Hawks said.
Embers, which are a primary cause of home ignition, can travel far ahead of a wildfire and accumulate at structures' bases. Replacing combustible groundcover with hardscaping and using ceramic planters and wrought iron patio furniture in this buffer zone can help prevent fires from spreading to homes.
A 2021 study by IBHS and ZestyAI found that clearing vegetation near homes nearly doubles their chances of surviving wildfires. Hawks emphasized the importance of removing combustible items like plastic garbage cans from close proximity to homes: "Time and time again in our post-fire analysis of the Los Angeles County wildfires, we saw the damage done by combustible items like plastic garbage cans right up against a home."
IBHS has launched a new online course aimed at educating homeowners on wildfire science and effective mitigation strategies. "We want homeowners to have accurate information based on science," Hawks said. The course includes research imagery, real-life examples, and actionable steps for protection.
Besides creating an ember-resistant buffer, other recommended measures include having a Class A fire-rated roof and ember-resistant vents. A landscape design contest by CSAA and UC Berkeley also offers ideas for integrating native plants beyond the initial five-foot zone.
For more information about IBHS's mission to strengthen communities against natural disasters, visit their website at ibhs.org.
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