With wildfire threats now a year-round reality in the Golden State, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has officially launched its 2026 home hardening and defensible space media and education campaign.
The campaign, titled “Your Home, Your Community, Your California,” aims to move residents from awareness to action, emphasizing that simple property maintenance today can prevent a catastrophe tomorrow.
“Preparedness starts at home, but it doesn’t end there. When neighbors, communities, and local partners come together, we build a stronger, more resilient California that is better prepared for wildfire,” said CALFIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler.
According to CALFIRE, data consistently shows that the risk of wildfire damage drops significantly when homes are “hardened” – meaning built or retrofitted with fire-resistant materials – and surrounded by properly maintained defensible space.
The Threat of Flying Embers
While direct flames are a major concern, fire officials warn that flying embers are often the primary cause of home loss. Embers can travel a mile or more ahead of a main fire, landing in vulnerable spots like gutters, vents, and decks.
To combat this, CALFIRE is urging Lassen County residents to focus on “Home Hardening.” This includes low-cost measures such as sealing gaps, installing ember-resistant vents, and keeping gutters free of dry leaves and pine needles.
Understanding the Three Zones
A key pillar of the new campaign is the education of the “three zones” of defensible space, which provide a buffer to slow the spread of fire and protect first responders:
Zone 0 (0–5 feet): The “Ember-Resistant Zone.” Residents should remove all combustible materials, including bark mulch and woody plants, from the immediate perimeter of the home.
Zone 1 (5–30 feet): The “Lean and Clean Zone.” This area should be focused on clearing dead vegetation and thinning out trees.
Zone 2 (30–100 feet): The “Reduced Fuel Zone.” This area is designed to decrease fire intensity by mowing grass to a maximum of four inches and creating horizontal and vertical spacing between shrubs and trees.
Wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility and by taking these proactive steps, homeowners not only improve their own property’s chance of survival but also help protect their entire neighborhood.
For more information on how to harden your home and detailed guides on creating defensible space, residents are encouraged to visit the official website at ReadyforWildfire.org.
