What is Wildfire Mitigation?

Wildfire mitigation includes measures such as, fuel management, creating a defensible space, and home hardening. A key component of the wildfire mitigation strategy is fuel management. This tactic includes reducing flammable vegetation, thinning tree canopies, and removing dead wood and debris. Reducing flammable materials can significantly mitigate the intensity and spread of wildfires.

Creating a defensible space around homes and other structures is also an effective strategy. Clearing the area around structures of vegetation and combustible materials acts as a buffer zone that slows or even halts the advance of a wildfire, giving firefighters a chance to combat the flames directly.

Home hardening means making physical changes to your home in order to prevent the intrusion of flying embers and protecting against flames and radiant heat. Establishing a five-foot-wide non-combustible zone around the perimeter of your home, installing ember-proof mesh on exterior vents, and adding gutter covers to keep leaf litter from collecting are some examples of home hardening. More extensive measures include replacing your roof and siding with metal or other fire resistant materials.