Clean flammable debris, such as leaves, pine needles, trash and dead plants, from the base of the fence.Do not attach the fence to the building if it’s made of a combustible material.Heavy, thick wood is also better than thin wood, which will ignite more quickly. If you must use wood, use fire-resistant lumber.Climbing vines growing on a chain link fence are attractive, protect the homeowner’s privacy, and pose a minimum fire hazard. Combined with surrounding combustible debris, fencesare an excellent fuel source for a wildfire.Vent designs that incorporate plastic components do not comply with these requirements. Specialty vent screens are available that prevent the passage of embers without restricting air flow, such as one design that incorporates intumescent paint that swells when exposed to heat. Openings as small as 1/8-inch do a better job of preventing embers from entering the vent, but holes this small can also restrict air flow through the vent. Chapter 7A of the California Building Code, for instance, recommends the use of non-combustible wire mesh screen with ¼-inch or 1/8-inch openings. Homeowners may install a metal insect screen to protect their houses against this danger. Vents are typically located at the attic, crawlspace, and the lower portion of the roof. Flames can also enter through vents if embers ignite nearby vegetation or debris, especially accumulated pine needles. Unscreened vents are problematic because they can allow the entry of stray, airborne embers into the home even if the wildfire itself is some distance away.Systems and components to check include the following:
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