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Apollo NZ GlobalStart Project Brief

Fire, Fuel & Live Cooking · Connected-fuels answer

How Do Decks, Fences and Firewood Affect Wildfire Risk?

Wildfire risk often develops through connections. An ember lands in debris beneath a deck, a fence ignites near the wall, or a woodpile sits where radiant heat and embers can reach it. Each element matters because of what it can ignite next.

Planning guidance — final supplied configuration remains project-specific.
Resilient home and outdoor living area planned as one connected protection system
01

Keep decks clean above and below

Leaves, pine needles and other debris can collect between boards, against walls and beneath elevated decks. Combustible storage under a deck adds to the fuel package.

Inspection access is important because hidden debris cannot be managed if the area is permanently closed off without a maintenance route.

02

Treat fence connections as interfaces

A combustible fence that meets the building can provide a direct pathway if the fence catches fire. Wildfire guidance often recommends reviewing that final connection rather than treating the fence as unrelated landscape infrastructure.

03

Move stored fuel away from the immediate building zone

Firewood, propane cylinders, rubbish, outdoor cushions and other combustible storage should not be allowed to accumulate against the home or beneath attached structures.

The correct location depends on local fire guidance, site layout, weather exposure and safe everyday use.

Reference sources

Official guidance behind this resource.

Use these sources alongside the exact product instructions and the rules that apply at the project location.

U.S. EPA · Burn Wise archiveBackyard Recreational FiresOpen source U.S. EPA · Burn Wise archiveFacts, Health & Safety Tips for Wood BurningOpen source NFPAEducational Messages Desk Reference · Outdoor Fire & Wildfire SafetyOpen source National Weather ServiceUnderstanding Wildfire Warnings, Watches and BehaviorOpen source National Interagency Fire CenterPrepare and Protect Your HomeOpen source California Board of Forestry & Fire ProtectionDefensible Space Zones 0, 1 and 2Open source

Move from knowledge to project

Apply this guidance to the actual site.

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