Welcome to our guide on fire hardening—your key to safeguarding your home against the ever-present risk of wildfires. Living in Sacramento, like many parts of California, means we must be prepared and proactive when it comes to wildfire protection. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons for fire hardening measures, particularly if you're planning to sell your home. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to protect your property and ensure peace of mind. Let's dive in!
Reasons for Fire Hardening Your Property
Our area is susceptible to wildfires due to its climate, vegetation, and proximity to wild-land areas. During wildfires, burning embers can be carried by the wind for up to 5 miles, landing on rooftops, decks, and other parts of a structure. Fire hardening measures can increase a structure's resistance to direct flame exposure. This can include using fire-resistant materials, minimizing combustible vegetation near buildings, and creating defensible spaces. Many of our neighborhoods are designated urban-wildland interface, which increases the risk of wildfires impacting residential areas. Last but not least, new building codes and regulations, related to fire hardening, have been established to enforce fire-resistant construction standards.
There are a number of resources available online to help you understand specific actions to fire-harden your property, for example: county websites, www.fire.ca.gov, and www.wildfireready.org.
Take These Steps When Selling Your Home
If you are looking to sell your home, there are a few additional required steps. First, you will need to determine your property zone and whether or not your property will need to pass a defensible space inspection. As of July 1, 2021, a property located in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone must undergo a Defensible Space Inspection that complies with Section 4291 of the Public Resources Code or local vegetation management ordinances.
To determine if you are in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, visit www.fire.ca.gov/dspace. If your property requires an inspection, you can submit the application online and your local Defensible Space Inspector will reach out to schedule an appointment. If your property does not pass on the first attempt, the inspector will explain what work needs to be completed and schedule another appointment.
If you are selling your property, the defensible space inspection report must be dated within six (6) months of entering into a sales contract. If the property is not in compliance, the seller and the buyer will need to enter into a written agreement documenting that the buyer agrees to obtain documentation of compliance within one year after closing escrow.
You are not in this alone, Powell Real Estate is ready to help you navigate the process – from identifying your zone to implementing local vegetation management ordinances and other required fire hardening measures. We are here for you!
