Consider Resilient Designs

Written By Semone Kessler

Consider Fire Resilient Strategies

Create setbacks between the structure and combustible vegetation or neighboring structures.

  • Incorporate fire-resistant native plants and landscape hardscaping

  • Site Orientation

    • Position the home with the wind direction in mind to minimize exposure to embers carried by wind.

    • Avoid building on steep slopes, as fire travels faster uphill. If building on a slope, include firebreaks (e.g., retaining walls or terraces)

Design Features

  • Firewalls: Use masonry or reinforced concrete firewalls to compartmentalize and slow the spread of fire.

  • Eaves and Soffits: Enclose eaves and soffits with non-combustible materials to block embers.

  • Overhangs and Projections: Minimize large overhangs that can trap heat and embers.

  • Gutters: Install metal gutters and use gutter guards to keep debris out, reducing fire risk.

  • Green Roofs (Fire Adapted)- Improves insulation, reduces heat island effects, and absorbs rainwater.

  • Exterior Fire Sprinklers


  • Specifications & Materials

    • Roofing

      • Non-combustible roofing such as metal, clay, concrete, Class A asphalt shingles or fiber cement

    • Siding

      • Non-combustible siding such as metal, clay, concrete, or fiber cement

      • Apply fire-retardant paints or sprays to wood and other combustible surfaces.

    • Windows

      • Install non-combustible window frames (e.g., aluminum or fiberglass)

      • Install tempered, double-paned glass windows and fire-resistant doors.

      • Add external metal shutters for additional protection, integrated with a remote controlled system

    • Doors

      • Use solid, fire-rated doors made of metal, steel, or solid-core wood

      • Ensure tight-fitting seals to prevent ember intrusion

    • Decking & Porches

      • Use concrete, stone, or composite rated for fire resistance

      • Enclose the underside of decks with non-combustible materials to prevent embers from gathering underneath

    • Vents

      • Install ember-resistant vents with metal mesh screens (openings no larger than 1/8 inch) to prevent ember entry into attics or crawl space

    • Utilities

      • Install fire suppression systems like an automatic sprinkler system for interior fire suppression

      • Use interconnected smoke detectors that alert the entire house when one is triggered.

      • Use solar panels with battery storage to ensure power during outages and emergencies

      • Equip the home with an exterior sprinkler system

      • Install a cistern or water tank for firefighting purpose

      • Install backup generators to keep essential systems running

      • Use flexible, underground piping for gas lines to reduce rupture risks during fires

      • Use interconnected smoke detectors that alert the entire house when one is triggered

      • Use sensors to monitor for fire and ember activity

    • Insulation

      • Mineral wool, Cellulose Insulation (Fire-Treated), Hempcrete, Cork, Aerogel, Perlite, Rammed Earth or another non-combustible material

Landscape Features

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Semone Kessler
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