How to Prepare Yourself and Your Property for Wildfire
how to become firesafe
Berkeley at risk of wildfire and even bigger risk of Structure-to-Structure Fire Spread
Berkeley has a densely populated wildland urban interface that has been subject to a number of large, devastating fires in the last century. It is categorized as as among the highest risk areas in the State.
Community members who live, work, and play in these areas have a responsibility to understand the risks, mitigate them where possible, and develop a wildfire plan for themselves and their family. Working together, we can take real, meaningful action to protect people and property now, BEFORE the fire.
Preparation Involves 3 Core Initiatives
Personal Preparedness
Get prepared for wildfire with Berkeley Fire Department resources. Learn how to sign up for alerts, plan evacuations, build stay-or-go kits, and help those who need assistance.
Harden Your Home
Reduce wildfire risk by hardening your home. Learn how embers ignite houses, perform a quick self-assessment, and start with the most effective upgrades.
Get free materials, request a home assessment, and find trusted local contractors.
Create Defensible Space
Create a FireSafe Yard to protect your home. Learn how defensible space zones work, starting with Zone 0—the first five feet around your house. Get tips for reducing fuel, maintaining safe landscaping, and accessing resources like Chipper Day.
Clearing space can make the difference when firefighters respond.
Annual Inspections
The Berkeley Fire Department conducts defensible space inspections annually March - November to identify potential hazards in areas of Very High Fire Hazard Severity by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
insurance resources
Insurance companies can require changes to your property that are more strict than local codes to provide you with insurance, as they have the right to assess risk and set their own underwriting guidelines, which may include standards beyond the minimum local code requirements.