Key Insights on Wildfire Risks, Home Hardening, and Insurance Implications

Fire Safety & Preparedness

Top 5 To Know

As trusted advisors to homebuyers and sellers, you play a vital role in sharing critical information about fire safety and preparedness. Below are key topics to be aware of that may impact property sales and homeownership:

Wildland Fire Awareness

Properties located near wildland areas may face higher risks of wildfire. It's essential to understand and communicate these risks to potential buyers.

Voluntary Defensible Space

Encourage homeowners to create and maintain defensible space around their properties by clearing flammable vegetation, trimming trees, and maintaining proper spacing between plants and structures. This can significantly reduce fire risk.

Home Hardening

Share information about home-hardening measures that improve a property’s resistance to fire, such as fire-resistant roofing, ember-resistant vents, and non-combustible siding. These upgrades not only enhance safety but may also impact insurance rates.

Fire Hazard Severity Zones

Be aware of properties located in Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) as designated by state or local governments. These zones are categorized as moderate, high, or very high fire risk, and disclosure may be required during property transactions.

Local and State Regulations

Stay informed about any local ordinances or state laws regarding fire safety compliance, such as mandatory defensible space inspections or home-hardening requirements for certain properties.

Providing clients with accurate and timely information about these topics can help ensure smoother transactions and promote community safety.

Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map

Santa Barbara South Coast Resources

City of Santa Barbara

Wildland Fire: https://santabarbaraca.gov/government/departments/fire-department/wildland-fire
Voluntary Defensible Space Evaluations: You can schedule a defensible space inspection by contacting the City of Santa Barbara Fire Department at 965-5254 or by filling out our online request form.

County of Santa Barbara

Defensible Space Program https://sbcfire.com/defensible-space-program/
Request a defensible space inspection for your property: By completing this form, you will be submitting your request for a PRC 4291 compliance inspection to be conducted at the address you list below. You will receive a follow-up phone call or email from your local Defensible Space Inspector to schedule your inspection.

C.A.R. RESOURCES

How to Fire-Harden Your Home

Home Hardening

"Home hardening" refers to building resistant materials and home features that protect a home from catching fire. Beginning January 1, 2021, sellers will be required to complete a new home hardening disclosure for properties that are:

Within high or very high fire hazard zones
Built before 2010
Residential one to four properties; condominiums or other common interest development units; or manufactured homes

The disclosure will contain a general notice about home hardening and require the seller to answer questions specifying which home hardening features the home lacks that make the home vulnerable to wildfire and flying embers based on the seller's actual knowledge. To assist sellers and agents in complying with this new legal obligation, C.A.R. has created a new form entitled, "Fire Hardening and Defensible Space Advisory, Disclosure, and Addendum" (C.A.R. Form FHDS). This disclosure is integrated into the same law pertaining to the Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement (the "TDS"). So, like the TDS law, the home hardening disclosure applies to residential one to four properties, and has exemptions and cancellation rights just as the TDS does.

See Disclosure (Requires Login)

Low Cost Ways to Harden Your Home

Make Your Home Safer from Wildfire — Without Breaking the Bank

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense — but protecting your home doesn’t have to be costly. This guide is based on CAL FIRE’s April 2025 recommendations, and outlines low-cost retrofit options to help make your home more ignition-resistant. Many of these upgrades can be done over time as part of routine maintenance, using better materials when replacements are already needed. Whether you’re taking first steps or adding to what you’ve already done, every action helps strengthen your home’s defense.

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