Wildfire-Resistant Construction: The Basics for New Builds

Wildfire-resistant construction focuses heavily on embers, not just direct flame contact, since wind-blown embers landing on or against a structure are how most homes actually ignite during a wildfire. Non-combustible roofing, ember-resistant vents that block embers from entering attic and crawl space openings, and a cleared, non-combustible zone immediately around the foundation are among the most effective and lowest-cost measures.

Some jurisdictions in wildfire-prone regions have added these requirements as local building code amendments, layered on top of the provincial baseline, particularly for new construction in areas designated as wildland-urban interface. Simple choices — closing gaps under decks, using metal rather than vinyl gutters, keeping combustible mulch away from the foundation — meaningfully change a structure's odds without changing its overall design.