Fire threatens a home in three ways

2022-05-21 -

Embers

These bits of burning material can move up to a mile ahead of a wildfire in windy conditions. To resist them, a residence should have a sound roof and no flammable material within 5 feet of its exterior. In the Coastal fire, embers carried by 30 mph winds ignited homes that were destroyed.

Radiant heat

A nearby fire can heat the surface of building materials to a point where combustion occurs.

Flame impingement

Transfer of heat by direct flame exposure.

Home safety checklist

Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that embers could set afire.

zzReplace or repair loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember penetration.

zEnclose under-eave and soffit vents or screen with metal mesh to block embers. Most homes are built using 1/4-inch mesh screens, which prevent birds and rodents from entering through vent openings. Unfortunately, embers can penetrate this mesh. Smaller, 1/16-inch mesh screens can easily become plugged with dust, paint or dead plants, impeding vents' ability to reduce moisture and temperature in the structure. Covering vents with 1/8-inch, noncombustible, corrosion-resistant metal mesh screens offers the best wildfire protection while allowing vents to function.

zRepair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows.

zScreen or box in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

zMove flammable material away from wall exteriors.

zRemove anything stored underneath decks or porches. Armoring against fire

Use fire-resistant building materials.

zzThe roof and exterior of your home should be constructed of noncombustible or fire-resistant materials such as tile, slate, sheet iron, aluminum, brick or stone.

zTreat wood siding, cedar shakes, exterior wood paneling and other highly combustible materials with fire-retardant chemicals. 5 4 3 2 1

Map 3

Huntington Beach

1. Much like in the Malibu area that burned in 2018, high-priced coastal real estate in Orange County is in the riskiest zone. Parts of Irvine and most of Laguna Beach and

Corona del Mar are in extreme threat areas. This month's fire in Laguna Niguel started in a canyon and raced to a hilltop where 20 homes burned.

2. Some of the Cleveland National Forest is an extreme fire threat. In August 2018, the Holy fire burned more than 23,000 acres of chaparral, grass and brush.