Wildfire protection is often framed as clearing brush or creating defensible space. While these steps are essential, wildfire research shows they are most effective when paired with interior home maintenance and structural hardening.
According to NFPA and IBHS, homes that survive wildfires typically do so because multiple vulnerabilities were addressed — not because of a single upgrade.
NFPA research shows that homes are most likely to ignite due to conditions immediately surrounding the structure, particularly during ember exposure. IBHS testing further demonstrates that embers entering concealed spaces can ignite homes without visible warning.
When homeowners focus on only one aspect of protection, landscaping, for example, embers can still exploit unaddressed openings or interior fuel sources.
Exterior mitigation focuses on limiting how embers and heat reach the home.
Key strategies supported by NFPA and state forestry agencies include:
State wildfire guidance highlights that active fuel management close to the structure is one of the strongest predictors of reduced ignition risk. These steps reduce the likelihood that embers will accumulate or enter the structure in the first place.
Interior measures reduce the chance that embers or heat lead to ignition if they do enter the home.
NFPA guidance highlights several interior risk factors:
Because many wildfire-related ignitions begin in concealed spaces, interior inspections and maintenance play a critical role in overall resilience.
Wildfire resilience improves when exterior and interior strategies reinforce one another:
This systems-based approach aligns with guidance from NFPA, IBHS, and Firewise USA, all of which emphasize reducing structural ignitability rather than relying on any single solution.
Wildfire protection is not a checklist item, it’s an approach. Research consistently shows that homes are more resilient when exterior exposure and interior vulnerabilities are addressed together.
By viewing the home as a system and strengthening it from the inside and out, homeowners can take meaningful, science-backed steps to reduce wildfire risk.
Explore WDM’s wildfire education resources to learn how specially-engineered ember-resistant mesh and holistic home-hardening strategies fit into a layered, research-backed approach to protecting your home →
