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Laguna Beach fire inspector urges homeowners to harden homes against wildfires
Summary
Laguna Beach Fire Inspector Christopher Casap outlined specific, actionable steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of ember- and flame-driven ignition, including Class A roofing, ember-resistant vents, multi-pane tempered windows, maintaining a 5-foot noncombustible zone, and removing dead vegetation within 30 feet.
Laguna Beach Fire Inspector Christopher Casap told residents that protecting homes from wildfire requires specific changes to buildings and landscaping. "Most people don't realize that homes can ignite from flying embers, not just direct flames," Casap said, and urged homeowners to take several steps to reduce that risk.
Casap said the roof is "the first line of defense," and recommended upgrading to fire-resistant materials with a Class A fire rating when possible. He advised regular gutter cleaning to remove leaves and debris that embers can ignite, and the installation of ember- and flame-resistant vents in attic and crawl spaces to block ember entry. Casap also recommended upgrading to multi-pane tempered glass windows because they are more heat resistant.
On landscaping, Casap said homeowners should create defensible space around their homes. "Keep any wood mulch at least 5 feet from your house or replace it with noncombustible products, such as dirt, stone, or gravel," he said. He added that the ideal "first 5 feet zone" around a home should be free of vegetation or contain only well-maintained plants that meet defensible-space standards. Casap urged removal of dead or dying foliage within 30 feet of the home to eliminate potential fuel sources.
Casap framed these steps as practical measures residents can take now: "Hardening your home is a crucial part of protecting our community. When we all do our part, we can help keep our families and neighborhoods safe from wildfires." He closed by encouraging action rather than waiting for conditions to worsen.
