By LE Construction · Published October 6, 2026
Ventura County has lived through some of California’s most destructive fires: the Thomas Fire in 2017, which destroyed more than 500 homes in the City of Ventura, the Woolsey Fire in 2018, and the Mountain Fire in 2024, which burned into Camarillo Heights and Somis. In wind-driven fires, embers carried ahead of the flames are a leading cause of homes catching fire. Hardening a house means closing the gaps embers get into and replacing the materials they ignite.
This guide walks through the main weak points, in the order we usually recommend addressing them.
1. The first five feet
The ground right next to the house is where embers land and pile up. Wood mulch, dry plants, firewood, wood fences touching the house and combustible furniture give them fuel. California is putting rules in place for this space, called Zone 0: the Board of Forestry adopted emergency regulations in August 2026, and they were still being finalized in early October 2026. Under the law, they apply to new construction first and to existing homes about a year after adoption.
Whatever the final rules say, a noncombustible strip of concrete, stone or gravel along the house is a good idea now.
2. Vents
Attic, eave and foundation vents let embers into the house. California’s wildfire building standards (Chapter 7A) call for listed ember-resistant vents or noncombustible, corrosion-resistant mesh with openings of 1/16 to 1/8 inch. Standard 1/4-inch screen is too coarse. Replacing vents is usually the quickest upgrade. (Ember-resistant vents)
3. Eaves
Open eaves with exposed rafters trap heat and embers. Enclosing them with a noncombustible or ignition-resistant soffit removes those pockets. Ventilation is kept with compliant vents.
4. Siding and trim
Wood siding and trim, especially low on the wall, can ignite from embers that pile up at the base. Stucco and fiber cement are noncombustible options. Many owners start with the most exposed walls, those facing brush or slopes. (Fire-resistant siding)
5. Windows
Radiant heat can break single-pane glass and let embers in. Chapter 7A calls for multipane windows with at least one tempered pane. Dual-pane tempered windows also improve comfort and energy use.
6. Decks and attached structures
A burning deck or patio cover exposes the wall and windows above it. Rebuilding with materials that meet wildfire standards, keeping the space under decks clear, and replacing wood fence sections that touch the house all reduce risk.
7. Gutters and roof edges
Dry leaves in gutters catch embers. Gutter covers and metal drip edges help, along with regular cleaning before fire season.
Planning and paying for it
You do not have to do everything at once. We usually recommend vents and the first five feet first, then eaves, then siding, windows and decks as budget allows. California’s Safer from Wildfires regulations require insurers to offer discounts for certain mitigation, so keep a record of what you do. (Insurance discounts)
See our wildfire home hardening page to book a walk-around.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest wildfire hardening upgrade with the biggest benefit?
For most homes, replacing attic, eave and foundation vents with ember-resistant vents and clearing combustible material from right next to the house. Both are modest in cost and address common ways embers start house fires.
Do I have to harden my house if I am not building anything?
State wildfire building standards apply mainly to new construction, additions and some alterations in fire hazard zones. Defensible space rules apply to existing homes in designated areas. Hardening an existing house beyond those rules is voluntary, but strongly encouraged by fire agencies.
Is fiber cement siding as good as stucco for fire?
Both are noncombustible and widely used to meet wildfire construction standards. The choice usually comes down to the look you want and the house style. Trim, corners and vents need attention with either one.
Should I enclose my eaves even if my house is a Craftsman?
Open eaves trap heat and embers, so enclosing them reduces risk. On houses where exposed rafter tails are part of the style, there are trade-offs, and upgrading vents and materials at the eave can be a middle path. We can talk through options.