How homes catch fire
Embers can travel a long way ahead of a fire. They land in gutters, slip through attic vents, lodge in gaps under roof tiles or settle on decks, and start fires there. Building for wildfire mostly means giving embers nowhere to land and nothing to ignite.
The parts of the house that matter
Roof. Fire-rated roofing, with the gaps at the edges plugged so embers can’t get underneath.
Vents. Attic and crawlspace vents need fine metal mesh or listed ember-resistant designs. Where possible, vents go on the roof rather than in the eaves.
Walls. Ignition-resistant siding such as stucco or fiber cement.
Eaves. Enclosed or built with ignition-resistant materials, so heat and embers don’t collect underneath.
Windows. Dual-pane with at least one tempered pane, which resists breaking in radiant heat.
Decks. Ignition-resistant or non-combustible decking, with the space underneath enclosed or kept clear.
Around the house. No wood mulch or plants right against the walls; a non-combustible strip in the first few feet.
What to ask before you buy
- Is the property in a fire hazard severity zone? (Check the state map, or run the free fire check on ADUCheck.)
- What’s the roof’s fire class?
- What vents are installed?
- What are the siding, eaves and deck made of?
- Can I see the final inspection record?
How we build
Every Vivienda home uses fire-resistant materials and meets California’s wildfire rules for roofs and outside walls. A home built the same way in Pacific Palisades was still standing after the January 2025 fire. [Confirm fire rating and materials before publishing.] Note that the state’s starter home law doesn’t apply in very high fire hazard zones, so any project approved through that path is outside them.
Rebuilding after the Eaton or Palisades fire? See Fire rebuild.
Questions people ask
Does Chapter 7A apply everywhere in LA?
It applies in designated fire hazard severity zones and wildland-urban interface areas. Check your address on the state fire hazard map or with LA County Fire.
What's the single most important feature?
The roof. A Class A roof with no gaps embers can get under is the first line of defense.
How much does it add to the cost?
For new construction the added cost is modest compared with the price of the home. One building official estimated about $5,000 for a 1,000 sq ft slab-on-grade house, though costs today are higher and vary by design.