California Fire Season is Here
January 9 Update: LA Fires
I originally wrote this blog back in June 2024 as a reminder that “fire season” was upon us. But now, in the face of the largest fires Los Angeles has ever endured, it’s evident that devastating wildfires can strike year-round. With the relentless dry, gusty Santa Ana winds, these fires can spread in an instant, leaving destruction in their wake.
While there are ways to design homes with fire resistance in mind, the immediate priority is supporting those affected by the current fires.
If you’re looking to help displaced residents and the heroic firefighters on the front lines, consider donating to these reputable organizations:
American Red Cross – www.redcross.org
California Fire Foundation – www.cafirefoundation.org
Direct Relief – www.directrelief.org
GlobalGiving Wildfire Relief – www.globalgiving.org
World Central Kitchen – www.wck.org
Our hearts are with Los Angeles during this incredibly difficult time.
Be prepared with tips for your home and property.
As Californians watch the devastating impact of the fires on LA communities, we know that we are at risk of the same fires in our cities. This is a powerful reminder that we need to support each other while being prepared ourselves.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
The most important advice is to remove fuel - think dead or dying landscaping - from near your house and provide defensible space around it to create a barrier against an advancing fire.
Identify the vulnerabilities of your home most likely to ignite during a wildfire, such as keeping your roof and gutters clean from debris.
Suppose you plan to build a new home, especially in what Cal Fire refers to as a VHFHSZ (Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone). In that case, you must use fire-resistant construction and proven building detailing. For peace of mind, rely on the expertise of an experienced architect and builder to address these issues.
We have designed numerous homes in fire severity zones, and a few were designed for homeowners with homes lost entirely during previous wildfires.
Tea Fire, Santa Barbara
All that was left were the foundations of these homes.
Santa Barbara Residence
The new home was constructed with steel and fire-resistant concrete.
The rebuilding process can be very emotional, and many decide not to rebuild. Those who choose to rebuild want to feel safe, and though no home is guaranteed to survive a wildfire, added precautions can help protect your home and, more importantly, your life.
Montecito Residence
After the original home was destroyed, this home was designed with owner-requested 2-hour fire-rated walls, more than double the code requirement.
No matter what protections you have against a wildfire, prepare your packing list in case of an evacuation. IF YOU ARE IN AN EVACUATION ZONE: Take it seriously. Do what you're told.
Cal Fire’s 6 P’s of Evacuation
People & pets
Papers, phone numbers & important documents
Prescriptions, vitamins & eyeglasses
Pictures & irreplaceable memorabilia
Personal computer, hard drive & disks
“Plastic” (credit cards, ATM cards) & cash
one extra “P” that I’d like to add is Photos of your home (if you have time)- a quick video can help you with insurance to keep track of what you left behind
For further reading:
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) has developed a useful Wildfire Preparedness website to assess risks and recommend actions to keep you safer.