1. Start at the structure
Inspect the roof, gutters, vents, eaves, decks, attachments and other places where embers can land or enter. Home hardening begins with the building itself.
Fire, Fuel & Live Cooking · Wildfire handbook
Wildfire-Aware Home Handbook
Use this handbook to walk from the building outward. The goal is not to certify complete wildfire protection; it is to identify the connected ignition pathways that deserve maintenance, redesign, verified products or local professional review.
Planning guidance — final supplied configuration remains project-specific.
2. Clear the immediate ignition zone
Review the first few feet around the home for combustible mulch, debris, vegetation, storage and connected fence or deck elements. Treat this as a high-priority maintenance area.
3. Build defensible space outward
Reduce dead material, fuel ladders and dense continuous vegetation while preserving a landscape appropriate to the site. Use local wildfire guidance for exact spacing and vegetation rules.
4. Control connected outdoor elements
Decks, fences, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, firewood, rubbish and furniture can create fuel continuity. Include them in the property plan rather than treating them as separate lifestyle features.
5. Re-check before fire season and severe weather
Wildfire resilience changes as vegetation grows, debris accumulates and property use changes. Repeat the walkaround seasonally and before periods of hot, dry or windy weather.
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
Reference this resource
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Link to the live page rather than a saved copy so readers reach the current Apollo planning resource and its latest product and planning links.
Permanent guide URL
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