Prepare Your Home with the Guide Living with Fire in Sonoma County

A lifelong fire professional and public servant, Jack Rosevear has dedicated his career to keeping communities safe. Among his activities, Jack Rosevear serves as the volunteer fire captain for the County of Sonoma and is the former chairman of Fire Safe Sonoma.

To help homeowners prepare for local fires, Fire Safe Sonoma published the guide Living with Fire in Sonoma County. The guide states that a large part of Sonoma County is a high hazard fire environment, and it's not a matter of "if" another wildfire will happen but "when." While not every home will survive a wildfire disaster, homeowners can take steps to safeguard their homes through pre-fire activities. 

Pre-fire activities include building homes using fire-resistant materials, designing subdivisions with fire in mind, and creating a defensible space around one's home through proper vegetation management. The guide provides a step-by-step plan for developing a defensible space around a home and instruction on how to determine whether one's home is ignition prone by examining its design, the era in which it was built, and the materials used in its construction. Additionally, the guide provides a comprehensive FAQ offering insights into fire safety in Sonoma County.

Minimizing the Risk of Wildfire Reaching a Home

Jack Rosevear, a respected presence in his Northern California community, has held leadership responsibilities spanning law enforcement and fire management. Having held positions such as deputy chief fire marshal with Sonoma County, Jack Rosevear emphasizes the importance of fire prevention in wildfire-prone areas.

The primary threats to homes posed by wildfires are burning embers and airborne pieces of vegetation and wood. Often carried some distance by the wind, they can result in spot fires and ignite homes, as well as dry patches of vegetation and forests.

Preparing homes for potential ember attacks start by keeping areas of the house such as gutters and roofs free from pine needles and other debris liable to combust. At the same time, ensure that missing and loose shingles are regularly replaced, as this prevents embers from penetrating to the roofing deck below. All roof vents should have 1/8 inch metal mesh screening in place to stop embers from entering the house.

The noncombustible area encompassing a five foot perimeter around the house, which is part of the “home ignition zone." Clear all flammable material from exterior walls, including leaves, firewood piles, mulch, and plants that can combust. Additionally, remove items stored under porches and decks.

The adjoining intermediate zone extends from 5 to 30 feet and should be carefully landscaped in ways that integrate breaks that minimize chances of fire advancement. Common breaks include walkways, patios, and driveways, with large items such as propane tanks, kept free of living or other combustible materials.

Lawns should be no higher than four inches, and trees and shrubs should be arranged in small, separated groupings. The extended perimeter reaches 100 feet, with debris and litter removed, as well as small conifers that inhabit the space between mature trees.