HOME
DEVELOPMENT
GUIDE
FireSmart Canada acknowledges the Institute for Business and
Home Safety for providing the content for this publication.
HOME DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
WILDFIRE REALITY
Wildfires are a natural part of our ecosystems. Without
wildfire, the landscape loses its diversity. Wildfires recycle
nutrients, help plants reproduce and create a mosaic of
vegetation that provides habitat for a variety of wildlife.
By choosing to extend our lifestyles and communities
further into forested areas, we become more exposed to
the danger of wildfire. Living where wildfires can occur puts
your homes at risk, but it is possible to live safely with this
natural event.
Development standards play a significant role in reducing
the potential impact a wildfire will have on a community. A
building is more likely to be destroyed in a wildfire when it
is located in a high-density area where fire is able to easily
transfer from building to building. The potential for damage
intensifies when flammable building materials are used.
The recommendations in this guide will reduce the risk of
wildfire to your home and neighbourhood.
ROOFING MATERIAL AND DESIGN
The roof is the most vulnerable DESIGN
component of your home. Sparks A simple roof design will reduce
and burning embers from a wildfire the number of locations on your
can travel long distances and quickly roof where combustible debris
ignite flammable roofing material. and embers can accumulate.
Proper maintenance of dormers
Consider these guidelines when and other complex roof features is
designing and maintaining your home. critical with a complex roof design.
Maintenance will help protect
from ignition. Install flashing at
dormer roof surface junction (when
combustible siding is used).
Even with a non-combustible roof,
there are locations where the roof
CLASS A:
High Resistance covering meets another material.
to Fire Debris can accumulate at these
locations, and so can wind-blown
embers.
Roof vents should be screened or
ASTM fire rated. Soffit vents interact
with roof vents as part of required roof
ventilation and will actually pull
embers in during a wildfire, and should
be screened or ASTM fire rated as well.
Dormer
Through
Roof Vent COMPLEX ROOF
Re-entrant
Corner
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MATERIALS MAINTENANCE
The fire rating of roof covering It is important to inspect locations that
relies on the entire roof assembly are potential “weak links” on your roof
(sheeting, drip edges, end caps) (for example, wood shingle siding on a
to offer the rated protection. dormer next to a Class A roof covering),
or areas with an exposed wall junction,
Roofing material tested for flammability open entry points under the roof
is assigned a classification: covering, exposed combustible
Class A – high resistance to fire surfaces above gutters, or missing
Class B – moderate resistance to fire drip edge.
Class C – low resistance to fire
Roof features such as skylights
A Class A fire-rated roof assembly and solar panels, could be an entry
offers the best protection. Examples or accumulation point for wind-blown
of Class A roofing material embers. Keep these features
include clay tile, concrete tile, clear of combustible debris and
metal and asphalt shingles. properly maintained.
Class C roofing has the lowest Your roof is a large surface where
resistance to fire. combustible debris can accumulate.
When a wildfire is threatening your
Untreated wood shakes create a home, wind-blown embers can also
dangerous combination of combustible land on your roof and ignite this
material and crevices for embers or debris, potentially putting your home
sparks to enter. at risk. Clean your roof of combustible
debris regularly.
Branches overhanging your roof will
result in more debris accumulation on
your roof, in your gutters and near
SIMPLE ROOF your home.
As shingles age and curl more openings
are exposed and may increase places
for embers to accumulate. Inspect your
Ridge Vent
roof often and replace or repair any
shingles that are in poor condition.
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SIDING, VENTS AND OPENINGS
With the exception of the roof, DESIGN
siding material is the structural A simple exterior wall design will reduce
component most vulnerable to the number of locations for combustible
wildfire. Combustible debris can debris and embers to accumulate.
accumulate at the vents and
openings on your home and be Siding is vulnerable when it ignites
ignited by embers during a wildfire. and when flames or embers
get into the cavity behind the
Consider these guidelines when siding. With inadequate ground-
designing and maintaining your home. to-siding clearance, accumulated
embers can ignite combustible
siding directly. 15 centimetres of
ground-to-siding non-combustible
clearance is recommended.
Fibre Cement
Unscreened vents can allow heat and
Siding
embers to enter a building and ignite.
Use multi-pane, tempered glass
windows, and close them when a
wildfire threatens. Install window
screening to improve performance
Stucco Siding against radiant heat exposures and
to minimize the size and number of
embers that could enter the home.
Ensure garage doors are properly
fitted and maintained (weather
stripping) to ensure there are
not gaps for ember entry.
Brick Siding
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MATERIALS MAINTENANCE
Siding Examine your siding for locations
Some types of construction where embers could accumulate or
materials, such as vinyl siding can lodge. Maintaining and removing
melt when exposed to high combustible debris (such as lumber,
temperatures, allowing the fire to stored vehicles, branches, grass
reach the underlying wall and leaves) and firewood near the
components and penetrate the exterior walls will reduce a building’s
interior of the building. vulnerability to ignition during a wildfire.
Stucco, brick, fibre cement boards/ Ensure your siding is free of gaps,
panels and poured concrete all offer holes, or other areas where embers
superior fire resistance. could accumulate, lodge or penetrate.
Prioritize repairing any vulnerabilities
Vents identified on the exterior walls.
Install non-combustible material for
all vents. Should be 3 millimetre It is important to inspect your vents
screening or ASTM fire rated vents. and openings regularly to ensure the
Metal products are recommended vents are in good repair and remove
for vents and vent flashing. any accumulated combustible debris.
Inspect your home for any
Siding vulnerabilities to embers
15 centimetres
Screened Vent
Ground
Ridge Vent Static Vent
GUTTERS AND EAVES
The gutters on your home provide DESIGN
a place for combustible debris to Select a boxed-in or soffited-eave
accumulate and open eaves create an design for your home. Exposed
entry point for sparks and embers. or open eaves create an entry
point for sparks and embers.
Consider these guidelines when
designing and maintaining your home. Install a drip edge at the roof edge
above the gutters to protect any
exposed roof sheathing or fascia.
Gutter Guard
No Gutter Protection
With Gutter Guard
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MATERIALS MAINTENANCE
Select gutters and downspouts Regularly remove debris from your
constructed of non-combustible gutters as sparks and embers can
materials such as galvanized easily ignite these dry materials.
steel, copper and aluminum. Consider screening your gutters with
Ensure metal drip edge is in place metal mesh to reduce the amount
as part of the roof assembly. of debris that can accumulate.
To reduce the need for frequent It is important to regularly inspect
cleaning and maintenance, use your gutters and eaves to identify
a noncombustible leaf or gutter any vulnerable spots or areas
guard. This guard will prevent the requiring attention. Keep these
accumulation of combustible debris. areas clear of combustible debris
Leaf and gutter guards can include and properly maintained.
metal mesh screens and metal
hoods that fit into the gutter.
Open eaves create an entry point
for sparks and embers. Select
noncombustible materials, such
as fibre-cement board or stucco.
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DECKS AND PORCHES
The materials used to build the DESIGN
deck, combustible materials you Slotted deck surfaces allow
store under your deck, and the combustible debris to accumulate
vegetation around it all contribute to below the deck. There should be
how vulnerable your deck will be. access to spaces below the deck
so debris can easily be removed.
Consider these guidelines when
designing and maintaining your home. For railings, use metal or tempered
glass and select non-combustible
patio furniture and decorations.
Ensure there is flashing, or
noncombustible material at
the deck/house wall junction if
combustible siding is used.
Sheath the underside of the deck and
balcony with fire-resistant sheathing as
Tempered this will act as a shield against
Glass Railing
embers. Non-combustible surface
should be under the deck as well, and
extend for 1.5 metres out from
perimeter of deck. Access and regular
cleaning under deck is required, even
if it is enclosed. No combustibles
should be stored under the deck.
Surround the deck with non-
combustible material, such as rock
mulch, gravel, brick, concrete pavers
Metal Railing
or patio stones to prevent vegetative
growth.
Non-combustible
material
Firewood piles stored far from home
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MATERIALS MAINTENANCE
Most deck boards are combustible, Removal of combustible debris and
including dimensional wood, plastic vegetation on, around and under
and wood-plastic composites. decks and other attached structures
is a key factor in reducing vulnerability
Select fire rated composite decking to ignition during a wildfire.
material for your deck and sheath
the underside of the deck with non- Check the condition of combustible
combustible sheathing, such as fibre wood deck boards and replace
cement board or metal screening. or repair boards that are showing
Maintenance is very important, signs of rot or have large cracks.
even if the deck is sheathed.
LAWN FURNITURE AND
DECORATIVE ITEMS
Move combustible patio furniture,
cushions, decorative pieces and
brooms inside or as far away
from the house as possible.
Furniture inside or
away from house
Fully enclose deck with 9
non-combustible sheathing
FENCING
Wooden fences and boardwalks create DESIGN
a direct line to your home and can Avoid attaching fences and walls
contribute to the spread of wildfire. constructed of combustible materials
directly to your home or building.
Consider these guidelines when
designing and maintaining your home. Use a metal gate or non-combustible
fence panel that is at least 1.5 metres
(5 feet) from the furthest projection
(overhang, roof, etc) of the house.
Combustible
Wooden Avoid fences that have gaps, such
Slat Fence as wooden slat fences, because
fire embers can become lodged in
the gaps and ignite the fence.
Non-combustible
Metal Fence
Metal
Wooden Slat
Gate
1.5 metres
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MATERIALS MAINTENANCE
Wood fences offer zero fire resistance Monitor the condition of a combustible
and can act as a wick directly to wood fence closely. Repair or replace
your home. Use non-combustible any fence panels or posts that are
materials such as, metal, chain showing signs of rot or damage.
link, metal privacy slats, concrete,
stone or masonry when designing Combustible debris near the fence
and building your fence. or wall should be cleared regularly
and the lawn well maintained.
If a wood fence is installed, ensure
there is at least a 1.5 metre non- The type of vegetation that is planted
combustible break between the wood next to a fence or wall should be
portion of the fence to your home. For considered, and the vegetation
example, a metal gate with a stone should be maintained regularly.
wall to break up the combustible fence
and protect your home.
Stone Metal Chain link
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LANDSCAPING
A FireSmart yard includes making CHARACTERISTICS OF
smart choices for your plants, shrubs, FIRE-RESISTANT PLANTS
grass and mulch. Selecting fire- • Moist, supple leaves
resistant plants and materials can • Accumulates minimal dead
increase the likelihood of your home vegetation
surviving a wildfire. Ensure there is a • Water-like sap with little odour
1.5 metre horizontal non- • Low amount of sap or resin material
combustible surface perimeter along
the outer walls of the primary CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGHLY
structure (house). FLAMMABLE PLANTS
• Leaves or needles are aromatic
• Accumulates fine, dry, dead material
LANDSCAPING WITHIN
• Contain resin or oils
10 METRES
• Loose papery or flaky bark
Plant a low density of fire-resistant
plants and shrubs. Avoid having any PLANTS TO AVOID
woody debris, including mulch, as it
• Cedar
provides potential places for fires
• Juniper
to start.
• Pine
• Tall grass
• Spruce
GRASS
A mowed lawn is a fire resistant lawn.
Grasses shorter than 10 centimetres in
height are less likely to burn intensely.
Check local fire permits
for backyard fire pits Firewood piles
far from home
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BARK MULCH AND Fire permits for both burn barrels
PINE NEEDLES and fire pits are required in many
Do not use bark or pine needle mulches jurisdictions.
within 10 metres of your home, as they
ON-SITE FIRE TOOLS
are highly combustible. Gravel mulch
and decorative crushed rock mulch Every home should have readily
significantly reduce the risk of wildfire. accessible shovels, rakes, axes, garden
hoses, sprinklers and ladders to assist
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS in suppressing wildfires.
Wood piled against a house is a major
fire hazard. Moving your combustible POWER LINES
materials, such as firewood piles,
Power lines should be clear of branches
lumber, etc may be the factor that
and other vegetation. Contact your local
allows your home to survive a wildfire.
utility company to discuss removing
any branches or vegetation around
BURN BARRELS
overhead electrical installations.
AND FIRE PITS
Burn barrels should be placed as ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
far as possible from structures and
Accessory structures (sheds and
trees. Keep the area within 3 metres
garages, or any neighbouring structures
of the burn barrel free of combustible
within 10 metres of the home), must be
material. Always ensure your burn barrel
mitigated to the same standard as the
has proper ventilation and is screened
primary structure.
with 6 millimetre or finer wire mesh.
Check with your local municipality
regarding specific requirements and
6 millimetres or
restrictions regarding backyard finer wire mesh
fire pits.
3 metres
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FIRESMART CANADA COMMUNITY
RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Citizen involvement is the The program draws on a community’s
cornerstone of the FireSmart Canada spirit and its willingness to take
Community Recognition Program. responsibility for reducing wildfire risks.
If you live in a region susceptible to How can my community become a
wildfires, you and your neighbours will Recognized FireSmart Community?
learn how to decrease the risk of losing
your homes and how to best protect Becoming FireSmart takes time and
yourselves in the event of wildfire. coordination with your neighbours
and others, but getting started is
FireSmart homes and neighbourhoods actually quite straightforward.
allow firefighters to concentrate
on fighting the wildfire – which Visit [Link]
ultimately saves more homes for more information.
and lives. Communities whose
residents take steps to reduce their
vulnerability have a greater chance
of surviving a wildfire without the
intervention of the fire department.
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FIRESMART HOME PARTNERS PROGRAM
FireSmart Home Partners is a • An opportunity to earn a
voluntary property assessment FireSmart Home Partners
program that helps residents identify certificate acknowledging
specific actions they can take on their your mitigation achievements
property to reduce wildfire hazards. (the certificate is given upon
successful completion of required
FireSmart Home Partners property mitigation actions and an on-site
assessments provide residents: follow up inspection). This type
of recognition can be used to
• An in-depth, on-site assessment
enhance real estate transactions
conducted by experienced
by reassuring prospective buyers
fire professionals;
that the appropriate level of
• An opportunity for property wildfire risk reduction has been
owners to identify mitigation achieved on the property. The
actions unique to your property; designation can also be shared
• A detailed follow up report with with local insurance providers to
customized mitigation actions showcase mitigation activities.
designed to measurably reduce For more information about the
the wildfire risk to your property; FireSmart Home Partners Program
or to request an assessment, email:
homepartners@[Link]
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ABOUT THE FIRESMART HOME By following the FireSmart home
PARTNERS PROGRAM development and maintenance
guidelines in this guide, you will be
The FireSmart Home Partners Program
well prepared for your FireSmart
is a collaboration between FireSmart
Home Partners Program assessment.
Canada, provincial, local governments
and Indigenous communities in Canada.
The program’s primary purpose is
to engage homeowners in voluntary
wildfire mitigation activities by offering
a professional home assessment with
property-specific recommendations.
The assessment process accurately
evaluates a home and property for
wildfire exposure, while educating
you as the homeowner of your
unique risk and ways to reduce it.
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[Link]