Home / Disasters and Accidents / Not Just Flames: How Embers Threaten Your Home
Not Just Flames: How Embers Threaten Your Home
30 Sep
Summary
- Burning embers, not just flames, can ignite secondary fires and endanger homes.
- Defensible space and structural features significantly impact wildfire survival.
- Home survival depends on multiple factors, not just one preparedness step.
Wildfires can rapidly alter landscapes, as demonstrated by the December 5, 2017, Creek Fire north of Los Angeles. Strong winds and dry conditions propelled the blaze, with burning embers igniting secondary fires around structures and threatening homes in areas like Kagel Canyon.
While the primary fire front is a concern, embers carried by the wind can spark fires on properties distant from the main blaze. Research indicates that these firebrands, or smoldering embers, can ignite mulch and other materials near homes, potentially leading to structure ignition.
Defensible space, created by clearing flammable vegetation and using materials like gravel around a property, significantly reduces ignition risks. Wood Grigsby's home survived the Creek Fire largely due to such preparations. However, studies analyzing thousands of wildfire-exposed structures suggest that structural characteristics are also crucial.
Features such as enclosed eaves, ember-resistant vent screens, and multi-pane windows help prevent embers from entering a building and offer protection from radiant heat. Yet, even homes with extensive defensible space or fire-resistant materials were sometimes destroyed, highlighting that a multi-faceted approach to preparedness is essential for wildfire survival.
