Home Hardening
Help your home resist embers and nearby fire.
Home hardening means reducing the ways fire can enter or ignite your home. In South Pasadena, this is especially important because homes are often close together, and a burning structure can expose neighboring homes to sustained heat and additional embers.
Roof
Keep roofing in good condition. Repair damaged or missing roofing materials and remove leaves, needles, and other combustible debris.
Gutters
Keep gutters and roof valleys clear of leaves and debris. Debris can catch embers and burn directly against roofing materials.
Vents
Vents can provide a pathway for embers to enter attics and other concealed spaces. Inspect vents and maintain appropriate ember-resistant protection where applicable.
Eaves
Keep areas beneath eaves clear of accumulated debris and combustible materials.
Windows and Doors
Maintain windows and doors in good condition. Pay attention to damaged screens, gaps, nearby vegetation, and combustible materials near openings.
Exterior Walls
Keep combustible debris and stored materials away from exterior walls.
Decks, Balconies, and Patios
Keep areas on, around, and beneath decks and balconies clear of unnecessary combustible material.
Fences and Gates
Combustible fencing can carry fire toward a structure, especially when it connects directly to the home.
Garage
Keep combustible storage organized and away from ignition sources. Make sure garage doors and openings are maintained.
Shared Resilience
Your home is part of your neighbor's defensible space, and theirs is part of yours.
The goal is shared resilience, not blame.
Notes for Renters
You can still take meaningful wildfire-preparedness steps even if you do not own the building.
Keep balconies and patios clear of unnecessary combustible materials, avoid combustible storage near doors and windows, keep evacuation routes clear, and report building or landscaping concerns to property management.