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When it comes to wildfire preparedness, misinformation can be just as dangerous as inaction. Many homeowners believe their homes are “safe enough” based on materials or location, only to discover too late that wildfire behavior doesn’t follow common assumptions.
Research from organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) shows that homes are often lost not because of what they’re made of, but because of how they’re exposed.
Below are some of the most common wildfire myths and the facts that matter.
While concrete and stucco are non-combustible materials, homes built with them can still ignite and burn.
According to NFPA, many homes lost in wildfires ignite due to ember exposure, not direct flame contact. Embers can enter through vents, eaves, gaps, and other small openings—igniting combustible materials inside the home, regardless of exterior walls.
A non-combustible exterior does not eliminate risk if embers can penetrate the building envelope.
Metal components such as roofs, vents, or screens can improve fire resistance, but metal alone does not equal fireproof.
IBHS research shows that embers can accumulate, lodge, and ignite nearby combustible materials, even when they land on or near metal features. In addition, heat can be transferred through metal components, affecting surrounding materials.
Effective wildfire protection depends on how building materials and components work together as a system, rather than any single “fire-resistant” material used in isolation.
Wildfires don’t need to reach a home directly for ignition to occur.
According to NFPA, embers can travel more than a mile ahead of the main fire front, igniting homes far from visible flames. Many structures ignite while the wildfire itself is still at a distance.
Waiting to act until a fire is nearby removes the opportunity for meaningful mitigation.
Wildfire risk increasingly affects suburban and urban communities, especially in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI).
NFPA and IBHS studies show that structure-to-structure ignition and ember exposure can drive losses in densely populated neighborhoods, not just isolated homes near forests.
Community-wide preparedness is critical, even in areas that don’t “look” wildfire-prone.
Defensible space is essential—but it’s only part of the equation.
IBHS emphasizes that home hardening measures, which address vulnerabilities on the structure itself, are critical to reducing ignition risk. Homes with cleared surroundings can still ignite if embers enter through vents or gaps.
Effective wildfire mitigation requires both defensible space and building-level protection.
Wildfires challenge many long-held beliefs about building materials and safety. Research from NFPA and IBHS consistently shows that small vulnerabilities can have large consequences, and that preparedness works best when homeowners understand how homes ignite—not just what they’re made of.
Correcting these myths allows communities to focus on practical, proactive steps that meaningfully reduce risk—well before fire season begins.
Calm preparation, informed decisions, and community-wide action remain the most effective tools we have.
