Wildfire
Ready
Small actions at home.
Big impact for our community.
Download Your Fire Ready Guide
In Santa Barbara, we can’t control wildfires. But we can make sure we’re ready.
Did you know there are three proven steps every homeowner can take to help our homes and neighborhoods withstand wildfire?
It doesn’t take much to protect a lot.
Here’s what to do this weekend
to protect your home:
1. CLEAR
pine needles, leaves, and dead brush. That’s fire fuel.
2. COVER
vents and gutters with mesh screens to keep out the sparks that ignite homes.
3. CREATE SPACE
with a five-foot buffer around your home.
Download Your Guide to Wildfire Readiness
Hear what your local firefighters have to say about wildfire preparedness
Connect with the Santa Barbara Fire Department to learn more.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
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Yes. Research shows that homes are often ignited by embers, not by direct contact with flames. These actions can significantly reduce a home's vulnerability to wildfire.
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Start with the actions that are easiest to complete and maintain, like cleaning leaves from gutters or removing debris near your home. Every action you take can help reduce risk.
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No. Embers can travel long distances and ignite homes far from the fire's edge. Wildfire risk affects a growing number of communities, and taking simple preparedness actions can help protect your home regardless of where you live.
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Many fire-safe actions cost little to nothing to get started. Tasks like moving firewood away from your house or regularly clearing dead leaves from your gutters don’t cost anything but time.
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No action can guarantee that a home will survive every wildfire. However, studies after major fires have shown that twice as many homes would have survived if proactive steps like these had been taken.