Articles & Guides
Expert resources to help you succeed. Browse by topic below.
State Rules
Defensible-space and wildfire-mitigation rules by state, starting with California, Colorado, Oregon, and Arizona.
442 articles →
Home Hardening
Roof, vent, gutter, deck, and siding hardening guidance, organized by what is commonly assessed first.
120 articles →
Defensible Space Zones
The Zone 0/1/2 framework explained in depth, zone by zone.
95 articles →
Insurance & FAIR Plans
How wildfire-area home insurance and state FAIR Plans generally work, and what to ask your agent.
11 articles →
Plants & Landscaping
Fire-resistant landscaping choices and spacing for each defensible-space zone.
2 articles →
Inspections
What wildfire and insurance inspections commonly check, and how to prepare.
8 articles →
Comparisons
Honest comparisons of hardening materials, mitigation approaches, and insurance options.
3 articles →
Featured Articles by Topic
Start with the most useful articles from each topic, then dive deeper into the full knowledge base.
State Rules
Defensible-space and wildfire-mitigation rules by state, starting with California, Colorado, Oregon, and Arizona.
The 100 foot defensible space law, explained clearly
California requires 100 feet of defensible space around homes in wildfire zones under PRC 4291. Here's what the zones mean, deadlines, and how to comply.
2026 PG&E wildfire mitigation conference: what homeowners need
PG&E's 2026 wildfire mitigation conference and new state rules could affect your insurance. Here's what's changing, what to document, and how to prepare.
A fire in a house: what happens and how to prevent it
A fire in a house can spread past flashover in under 5 minutes. Here's what causes it, how to prep, and what CA's new 2026 defensible space rule requires.
Home Hardening
Roof, vent, gutter, deck, and siding hardening guidance, organized by what is commonly assessed first.
5 ways to prevent fire at home (and why they work)
The 5 fire prevention steps CAL FIRE and Ready.gov actually recommend, with real costs, timelines, and why homeowners skip them anyway.
Are shipping container homes fire resistant? What the steel really does
Steel walls don't burn, but container homes still fail on insulation, roofs, and openings. Here's what actually makes one fire resistant in 2026 codes.
Are there fireproof houses? what really survives wildfire
No house is fireproof, but ember-resistant homes with Zone 0 clearance survive at far higher rates. Here's what the data actually shows, and what to do first.
Defensible Space Zones
The Zone 0/1/2 framework explained in depth, zone by zone.
5 ways to prevent forest fires (and protect your home)
5 real ways to prevent forest fires, from debris burning rules to defensible space. Includes CA law dates, prep checklists, and insurer-ready steps.
Community wildfire mitigation best practices that actually work
CAL FIRE's own data shows structures with defensible space survive wildfire at far higher rates. Here's what neighborhoods should do, in order, and what's coming in 2026.
Wildfire containment explained: what it means for your home
Containment is a firefighting term, not a homeowner outcome. Here's what it actually measures, plus the defensible space rules that protect your house in 2026.
Insurance & FAIR Plans
How wildfire-area home insurance and state FAIR Plans generally work, and what to ask your agent.
Best E&S insurance for commercial wildfire mitigation
Standard markets dropping wildfire risk push businesses to E&S carriers charging 20-40% more. Here's how underwriting and mitigation actually connect.
Booz Allen wildfire mitigation funding: what homeowners get
Booz Allen Hamilton advises federal wildfire programs, not homeowners directly. Here's how that funding trickles down and what to do while you wait.
California wildfire mitigation discount program guide 2026
How the Safer from Wildfires discount actually works, what CAL FIRE requires, and why insurers still non-renew even compliant homes. Full breakdown.
Plants & Landscaping
Fire-resistant landscaping choices and spacing for each defensible-space zone.
Firescaping: what actually works to fireproof a yard
Firescaping means zone-based, fire-resistant landscaping that cuts ember risk near your home. Real CAL FIRE zones, plant lists, and 2025-2026 rule changes explained.
LA landscaping rules for ember-resistant defensible space
Los Angeles defensible space and landscaping rules explained: zone widths, plant spacing, 2026 fire code changes, and what actually stops ember ignition.
Inspections
What wildfire and insurance inspections commonly check, and how to prepare.
CAL FIRE defensible space inspection form: what it checks
CAL FIRE's LE-100 form covers zones 0-100 ft. See what inspectors check, why the 2026 zone 0 rule matters, and how to prep before they arrive.
CAL FIRE defensible space inspection request: what to expect
CAL FIRE or your local fire district can request a defensible space inspection any time. Here's the 100-foot rule, timelines, and how to prep before they show up.
Defensible space inspector: what CAL FIRE actually checks
CAL FIRE defensible space inspectors check zones 0-100 ft under PRC 4291. Here's what they look for, when the 5-ft ember zone law starts, and how to prepare.
Comparisons
Honest comparisons of hardening materials, mitigation approaches, and insurance options.
Utility cable brands and wildfire mitigation: a homeowner guide
Undergrounding costs $500K-$3M per mile, covered wire runs $250K-$500K per mile. Here's how utility line hardening affects your defensible space and insurance file.
Is san diego safe from fire? here's what the data says
San Diego County has burned in five major wildfires since 2003. Here's the real risk by zone, what CAL FIRE maps show, and how to prepare now.
Which utility company is best at preventing wildfires
PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, PacifiCorp compared on wildfire prevention spending, undergrounding pace, and PSPS use, with what it means for your insurance file.