Wildfire Home Hardening in Riverside County, CA

Local wildfire exposure

Wind funneling through Santa Ana and inland canyon corridors, long hot summers and continuous brush on adjacent open space create sustained exposure across much of the county's western half.

Typical construction in the area

A large share of homes are 1990s–2000s tract construction with concrete tile roofs and stucco walls — generally a good starting point — but vents, fencing, gutters, patio covers and landscaping often remain the weak points.

Vegetation and fuels

Chamise chaparral, non-native grasses, sage scrub and ornamental landscaping. Annual grass cures early in the season and carries fire quickly across flatter parcels and slope bases.

Common vulnerabilities we see

• Vinyl or wood fencing attached to stucco walls
• Combustible patio covers, pergolas and shade structures
• Bark mulch and shrubs against the foundation
• Standard subdivision vents with mesh larger than 1/8 inch
• Open-space interface with uncleared grass and brush