Address your home's vulnerabilities to better withstand wildfire.
Harden Your Home
Harden your Home In:
Thousands of homes are lost each year because they aren’t properly hardened
How Homes Ignite
Most homes ignite in wildfires due to embers, radiant heat, or direct flame contact—with embers being the leading cause.
Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk
Make efforts to improve the chances of your home and structures withstanding ignition by wildfire. It starts with easy, small steps that can make all the difference.
Requirements for homes vary by location
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New homes built in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) must meet wildfire-resistant construction standards under the California Wildland Urban Interface Code.
These requirements apply only to new construction and major remodels—they’re not retroactive for most existing homes. However, all homes in the Grizzly Peak and Panoramic Mitigation Areas are required to replace any combustible fences or gates that connect to a structure with non-combustible materials for the first five feet beginning in mid-2026.
Applicable: 3, 4, 5
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New homes built in the High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) must meet wildfire-resistant construction standards under Chapter 7A of the California Building Code.
These requirements apply only to new construction and major remodels—they’re not retroactive for most existing homes.
While there are no actions that you are required to take, the best ways you can protect your home are to create defensible space, focusing on Zone 0 and perform some basic home hardening.
Applicable: 2
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While your home is not located in a designated Fire Hazard Severity Zone, it could still be impacted by a severe wind-driven fire. While there are no actions that you are required to take, the best ways you can protect your home are to create defensible space, focusing on Zone 0 and perform some basic home hardening.
Applicable: 1
Recommended Actions depend on where you live
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Perform a Self-Assessment
Performing a self-assessment identifies areas that may be vulnerable to embers, heat, or flames. In less than 10 minutes, this self-assessment will evaluate your home’s vulnerability to wildfire. A detailed report will be provided with tailored recommendations customized for your home.
Request an Assessment
For additional support, you can request a free Home Hardening Assessment from the City. Our experts will help you understand your home’s risks and recommend practical improvements to reduce them.
Applicable: 2, 3, 4, 5
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While home hardening measures are not mandatory, there are many recommended actions you can take.
Start by performing a self-assessment to identify areas that may be vulnerable to embers, heat, or flames.
Applicable: 1
Start with The Fab Four
Home hardening can feel overwhelming—but if you're wondering where to begin, start with the most impactful changes. The Fab Four are the top four actions you can take to dramatically reduce the risk of structural ignition during a wildfire:
Replace your roof with a Class A fire-rated roof
Properly screen all vents and gutters
Retrofit your deck with fire-resistant materials
Replace the first 5 feet of any combustible gates or fences that connect directly to your home.
There’s more to do, but these upgrades lay a strong foundation for protecting what matters most.
Find a Home Hardening contractor
The City of Berkeley does not warrant or endorse these contractors. Note: This is an external resource; accessibility managed by the source.
Home Hardening Tax Rebate