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Crucial Tips for Preventing Wildfires in Homes

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Clear Dry Brush and Leaves

Dead leaves, pine needles, and dry grass act as fuel for a fire. You should rake leaves from your yard and remove them from gutters and roof valleys. Keep your lawn mowed short, especially in late summer when grass dries out quickly.

Trim tree branches that hang over your roof or touch your house. A fire can climb those branches and reach your home. If you live in Frisco, check your property after spring storms, because hail and wind can drop extra debris onto your roof and yard.

  • Rake leaves and pine needles weekly during dry seasons.
  • Cut grass to 4 inches or shorter.
  • Trim branches at least 10 feet from your roof.
  • Remove dead plants and shrubs from garden beds.
  • Store firewood at least 30 feet from your house.

Store Flammables Safely

Gasoline, propane tanks, and paint thinners can ignite easily. Keep them in approved containers and store them in a shed or garage away from your home's walls. Never store them near a pilot light or electrical panel.

Check your outdoor storage areas for rags soaked in oil or stain. Those rags can catch fire even without a flame. Put them in a metal container with a lid, or throw them out according to your local waste rules.

  • Use metal containers for gasoline and kerosene.
  • Keep propane tanks upright and away from doors.
  • Store oily rags in a sealed metal can.
  • Place flammable liquids at least 10 feet from your house.
  • Check for leaks in hoses and fittings each season.

Harden Your Home's Exterior

Your roof, siding, and windows are the first barriers against fire. If you are replacing your roof, choose Class A materials like metal, tile, or asphalt shingles. For siding, consider fiber cement or stucco instead of wood.

Install metal mesh screens over vents and eaves to keep embers out. Use tempered glass for large windows, because it resists breaking from heat. These changes reduce the chance that a fire can enter your home through small openings.

Create a Defensible Space

A defensible space is a buffer zone around your home where fire has less fuel. For the first 5 feet, keep the area clear of all vegetation and use gravel or stone instead of mulch. This zone gives a fire less to catch onto.

In the next 30 feet, space out trees and shrubs so a fire cannot jump easily. Remove lower branches from tall trees and keep plants watered. If you have a wooden fence, consider replacing sections with metal or masonry to stop fire from spreading along it.

Plan Your Emergency Response

A wildfire can spread quickly, so you need a plan before one starts. Know two escape routes from your neighborhood and pick a meeting spot away from your home. Keep important documents in a fireproof safe or in a digital backup.

If you have time, close all windows and doors, and turn off gas at the meter. See a doctor if you feel unwell from smoke, and follow local evacuation orders. After a fire, be careful when you return, because hot spots can remain.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the most important thing to do to prevent a wildfire near my home?

Clearing dry vegetation and debris from your yard and gutters is the most effective step. This removes the fuel that a fire needs to spread. Regularly raking leaves and trimming branches keeps your home safer and gives you more time to react.

Can I use any type of mulch in my garden?

Avoid flammable mulches like shredded bark or pine straw near your house. Instead, use gravel, stone, or rubber mulch in the first 5 feet around your foundation. These materials do not catch fire easily and help slow a fire's approach.

Should I turn off my gas during a wildfire warning?

If authorities issue an evacuation order, you can turn off your gas at the meter. This reduces the risk of a gas leak if a fire damages your pipes. Only do this if you have enough time and it is safe. Check your policy for any requirements.

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