U.S. Fire Protection

California's susceptibility to wildfires has led to significant devastation over the years. Here are some notable statistics and impacts:

2024 Wildfire Season

• Number of Fires: 8,024

• Total Area Burned: Approximately 1,050,012 acres

• Structures Affected: 1,716 structures destroyed, with an additional 432 damaged

• Fatalities: 1 civilian casualty

This season marked the highest number of burned acres since 2021. 

 

 

2023 Wildfire Season

• Number of Fires: 7,386

• Total Area Burned: Approximately 332,822 acres

• Structures Affected: 58 structures destroyed, with an additional 13 damaged

• Fatalities: 4 (including 1 civilian and 3 firefighters)

This season experienced a lower-than-average acreage burned compared to the state's five-year average of 1,722,059 acres. 

 

 

Long-Term Trends

Historically, California has faced numerous wildfires, with some years experiencing particularly severe fire seasons. For instance, the 2020 wildfire season alone saw over 8,100 fires that burned nearly 4.5 million acres. 

 

 

Recent Developments

As of March 13, 2025, California is confronting an atmospheric river event, bringing heavy rainfall and snow. This weather phenomenon poses risks of flooding and power outages, especially in regions recently affected by wildfires like the Palisades and Eaton areas. The lack of vegetation due to past fires increases the danger of debris flows. 

theguardian.com

 

These statistics and events underscore the importance of proactive measures to protect homes and communities from the devastating effects of wildfires.

 

Protecting homes from wildfires is crucial, especially in fire-prone regions like California. Drawing from both local practices and Australia's extensive experience with bushfires, here are key strategies to enhance your home's resilience:

1. Home Hardening

• Fire-Resistant Materials: Use non-combustible materials for roofing and siding, such as metal or tile roofs and stucco walls. Ensure eaves and soffits are enclosed to prevent ember intrusion.
  Cal Fire

• Windows and Doors: Install dual-pane tempered glass windows and non-flammable window frames. Ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent ember entry.
  San Francisco Chronicle

• Vents: Replace old vents with ember-resistant models to prevent embers from entering your home.
  Cal Fire

2. Defensible Space

• Immediate Zone (0-5 feet): Maintain a non-combustible area around your home by removing flammable vegetation and materials.
  readyforwildfire.org

• Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet): Keep lawns mowed, prune trees, and space out vegetation to reduce fire spread.

• Extended Zone (30-100 feet): Dispose of heavy accumulations of ground litter and debris, and create breaks in vegetation to slow fire progression.

3. Sprinkler Systems

• Internal Sprinklers: Install residential fire sprinkler systems to suppress fires originating inside the home. These systems have been shown to control fires in 96% of cases where they are present.
   

• External Sprinklers: Consider external water spray systems (EWSS) to protect against approaching wildfires by wetting the home's exterior and surrounding areas. While research is limited, these systems are used in Australia to mitigate bushfire risks.
   

4. Community Engagement

• Fire Safe Councils: Participate in local fire safe councils to collaborate on community-wide fire prevention efforts, such as creating fuel breaks and organizing educational programs.
   

• Stay Informed: Regularly check for fire warnings and maintain awareness of local fire conditions.

Implementing these measures can significantly enhance your home's resilience to wildfires.