Arizona’s iconic desert landscapes and forested mountain regions are part of what makes our state beautiful, but they also place us at heightened risk for wildfires. With dry conditions, high winds, and hotter temperatures, wildfires can spark quickly and spread even faster. The best defense is preparedness, and that starts at home.
Here’s how to prepare your Arizona home for wildfire season using proven practices, including guidance from the FIREWISE USA® program, and the “Five P’s” to remember when it’s time to evacuate.
🔥 1. Vegetation Management: Create Defensible Space
Creating defensible space is the most effective way to reduce wildfire risk around your home. This means removing fuel sources—like dry brush, dead trees, and overgrown plants—that could help fire spread to your property.
FIREWISE USA® recommends dividing your yard into three zones:
Zone 1: 0–5 feet from your home
- Remove all flammable vegetation and debris.
- Use gravel, stone, or concrete instead of wood mulch.
- Keep this area “lean, clean, and green.”
Zone 2: 5–30 feet from your home
- Space trees and shrubs widely apart.
- Trim branches at least 6–10 feet above the ground.
- Mow grass regularly and keep vegetation low.
Zone 3: 30–100 feet from your home (or to your property line)
- Thin trees and remove dead or dying vegetation.
- Create fuel breaks with driveways, gravel paths, or lawns.
Don’t forget: Regular maintenance is key. Clean gutters, remove pine needles, and keep your roof and property free from debris year-round.
➡️ Learn more about defensible space at Firewise.org
🧱 2. Fire-Resistant Construction: Harden Your Home
Fire-resistant materials and thoughtful design choices can help your home survive a wildfire, even if firefighters aren't immediately available.
FIREWISE construction tips:
- Roofing: Use Class A fire-rated roofing like tile, metal, or asphalt shingles.
- Siding: Choose ignition-resistant materials like stucco, fiber cement, or brick.
- Windows: Install dual-pane, tempered glass to reduce breakage from radiant heat.
- Vents: Cover attic and crawlspace vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh to block embers.
- Decks and Fences: Build with non-combustible or fire-retardant-treated wood. Avoid wood fences that connect directly to your home.
Remember, embers cause up to 90% of home ignitions during wildfires. Protect openings, gaps, and eaves to keep embers out.
🚨 3. Emergency Readiness: Know the Five P’s
Even the most fire-hardened home can be at risk when wildfires are fast-moving. If evacuation is necessary, you must be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. The Five P’s make it easier to prioritize what to take:
✅ The Five P’s of Wildfire Evacuation:
- People & Pets – Family, roommates, and animals (including leashes, carriers, and food).
- Papers – Important documents: ID, insurance, deeds, passports, birth certificates.
- Prescriptions – Medications, medical supplies, glasses, and hearing aids.
- Pictures – Irreplaceable photos, keepsakes, and digital backups.
- Personal Computer – Laptops, external drives, and chargers.
Additional readiness tips:
- Pack a “go bag” with essentials, including water, clothing, N95 masks, flashlights, and first aid supplies.
- Sign up for emergency alerts through your local county or the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN).
- Keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle during fire season.
- Make a family evacuation plan and review it regularly.
🔧 Bonus: Join or Start a FIREWISE Community
FIREWISE USA® is a nationally recognized program that helps communities work together to reduce wildfire risks. Becoming a part of a FIREWISE-recognized neighborhood can improve local safety, awareness, and sometimes even lower your home insurance premiums.
✅ Learn how your community can get involved: FIREWISE USA® Program
Final Thoughts
Wildfires are a reality in Arizona, but with the right preparation, you can drastically reduce your risk. By managing your landscaping, using fire-resistant building materials, and staying ready to evacuate with the Five P’s, you’ll be protecting what matters most.
If you’re buying or selling a home in a wildfire-prone area, working with a knowledgeable REALTOR® can help you navigate risk, insurance, and firewise improvements.
Questions about wildfire safety or selling your home in Arizona? I'm here to help you make smart, fire-aware decisions. Reach out anytime.
Stay safe—and stay prepared.
