I am a So. California native and since 1971 have lived in a high fire hazard area. My home is stucco with a concrete tile roof (but that is no guarantee it will not burn). My home is on 1.59 acres and I have a defensible space around my home with no vegetation or trees that are fire risk species.

Since 1971 we have had 3 major fires that have burned to within 100 feet of my home and I have had no loss. Some of my neighbors have lost their homes in those same fires. The fire crews have to make a quick assessment of your home as to is it defensible. I have had as many as 6 fire trucks parked on my private drive making a stand to protect my home and a neighbor has had none (home not defensible).

Building exterior siding material and roof type are not the only hazards but also vegetation type and clear space clearance. When we have these fires they are during Santa Ana winds with speeds reaching 60-70 miles per hour or greater in the mountain canyon area where I live. Often the electricity is off when you need it. The use of sprinklers or even a garden hose is fruitless in these winds. I set up a number of large trash cans filled with water around my garage, home and barn/workshop with buckets or pans to dip water out to douse wind driven embers when they land. It will keep you busier than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs chasing down the embers.

Most people that stay behind to defend their home are not aware of the intense heat and smoke they will endure. Protective clothing, respirator mask and goggles are a must. Don’t forget a hat as your hair will torch off before your clothes. Don’t ask me how I know.

As an inspector and having inspected a number of homes that have burnt in the past they all have common issues. Tile roofs with slipped, broken tiles and improper weather blocking at hips, headwalls and ridges, opening or holes at eaves and vents allowing embers to enter. Many have wood fences attached to the home, garage doors not weather tight allowing embers in. Combustible fluids and materials, firewood stored next to the home, in the garage or patio.

I would consider using a Class A "Aqueous Film-Forming Foam" as I have seen homes saved when covered by this foam.