Building a New Home in a Wildfire Zone

Site Selection

Avoid building on steep slopes (fire travels faster uphill). Choose a site with access to at least two evacuation routes. Consider proximity to fire stations and water sources. Avoid narrow canyons or ridge tops where wind funneling occurs.

Building Codes

In fire-prone areas, building codes may require: Class A fire-rated roofing, ember-resistant vents, tempered glass windows, non-combustible exterior walls within certain distances, fire-resistant decking materials, and automatic sprinkler systems.

Insurance Considerations

Before building, verify that you can obtain homeowners insurance. Some insurers won't write new policies in Very High fire hazard zones. Building to Firewise standards may help with obtaining coverage and reducing premiums.