In California, the 2017 wildfire season became the worst on record, only for 2018 to prove even more deadly and destructive. The National Interagency Fire Center outlook for June through September of 2020 indicates many areas in the western U.S. will have above normal wildfire potential.

In addition to the extensive damage to property and land, wildfires can cause flooding, obstruct transportation, and create problems related to gas, power, and communication. Several factors contribute to the magnitude of wildfires and the speed at which they spread. Winds, high temperatures, and drought can convert trees, shrubs and fallen leaves into the perfect tinder for a wildfire to rage.

Important Recommendations:

• Clear mulch at least 10 feet from the home: A wind-driven fire sent embers into the bark mulch that was against the home. This video showcases how flammable mulch is and the difficulty in extinguishing this highly flammable ground cover.
• Ember-resistant vents: The number one cause of damage and destruction in wildfires is due to wind-carried embers. Embers access the home through openings in vents and ignite needles and dried leaves on the roof. Enclosing eaves and installing ember-resistant vents reduces the risk of those embers making their way through the vents.
• Italian Cypress and Proximate Vegetation: Italian cypress trees are very susceptible to embers. More mature trees have dead and dry needle debris on the inside that, if ignited, can spread fire through a tree at a rapid rate. As seen in this video, when trees are close to a home, they can ignite the structure through the eaves, siding, vents or the roof.

Your G2 team wants you to take the precautions necessary to protect your family, pets, and property. A home can be engineered to withstand fire. This is good for you and contributes to the resiliency of your neighborhood and community.

To receive G2’s recommended prevention and evacuation checklists, please contact Shirley Gordon at 415.426.6605 or sgordon@G2insurance.com.