The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) refers to the area within 100 feet of your home and any other structures—such as sheds, decks, and detached garages. Decades of fire research show that this zone is where you can make the biggest impact on whether your home survives a wildfire.

Wildfires don’t typically ignite homes through a wall of flame. Instead, wind-driven embers land on vulnerable materials—dry grass, woodpiles, mulch, roofs, vents, or debris—and start small fires that spread to the structure. By reducing ignition sources and managing vegetation in the HIZ, you dramatically increase your home’s chance of withstanding a wildfire.