Wildfire Preparedness for Homeowners

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Overview Local Risk Defensible Space Home Hardening Evacuation Planning Apps & Alerts Download Local Resources

Overview

Why wildfire preparedness matters here

In Paradise, Chico, and surrounding Butte County communities, wildfire preparation is not just seasonal, it is part of responsible homeownership. Good preparation helps reduce ignition risk, improves access for emergency response, and helps families evacuate faster when time matters.

Defensible Space

Maintain clear zones around your home by managing vegetation, removing excess debris, and reducing combustible materials near structures.

Roof & Gutter Maintenance

Keep roofs and gutters free of leaves, needles, and other debris that can become ignition points.

Vents & Openings

Check vulnerable openings and areas where embers may enter. Small improvements can make a meaningful difference.

Siding & Exterior Materials

Damaged or aging exterior materials should be addressed early. Exterior condition plays a role in overall resilience.

Access & Egress

Keep driveways, gates, and access routes clear so emergency response and evacuation are less difficult.

Plan Ahead

Preparedness also includes maintenance, planning, communication, and acting before peak fire season.

Local Context

Wildfire risk in Paradise and Butte County

Butte County has experienced some of California’s most destructive wildfire events. That history is one reason homeowners in this area should take preparation seriously and make wildfire readiness part of routine property care.

Camp Fire, 2018

85 lives lost, more than 18,000 structures destroyed.

North Complex Fire, 2020

Burned more than 318,000 acres.

Dixie Fire, 2021

One of the largest single wildfires in California history.

Thompson Fire, 2024

Broke out in Oroville, burned more than 3,000 acres, and threatened thousands of structures.

Park Fire, 2024

Burned more than 400,000 acres across Butte and Tehama counties.

Key takeaway:

Paradise sits in a very high fire hazard area. Early preparation is far easier than last-minute reaction.

Property Care

Defensible space basics

Defensible space helps slow fire spread and lowers the chance that flames or embers will ignite your home. It also improves access for firefighters.

What to focus on

Clear dead vegetation, dry leaves, pine needles, and brush near the home.
Trim back vegetation from siding, windows, decks, stairs, and fences.
Maintain spacing between shrubs, trees, and combustible landscaping features.
Move firewood, lumber, cardboard, and similar materials away from structures.
Keep the first area around the home cleaner, leaner, and easier to maintain.

Common problem areas

Mulch and bark right against siding.
Leaves collecting under decks or stairs.
Vegetation touching fences connected to the house.
Low tree limbs over roofs or near chimneys.
Stored items under eaves, porches, or decks.

Home Hardening

Reduce ember entry and ignition points

Many homes are threatened by embers before a main fire front arrives. Maintenance and targeted upgrades can help.

Roofs & Gutters

Clean leaves, needles, and debris from roofs, valleys, and gutters on a regular basis.

Vents

Inspect attic, crawlspace, and foundation vents. Ember-resistant vent products may help reduce exposure.

Siding & Trim

Repair damaged siding, trim, and exterior assemblies so gaps and vulnerable areas do not get worse over time.

Windows & Doors

Check weatherstripping, seals, and exposed gaps. Embers look for openings.

Decks & Attachments

Remove debris from surface boards and beneath the structure. These are often overlooked areas.

Access Routes

Keep driveways, gates, and address markers visible and accessible for emergency response.

Planning

Evacuation and readiness planning

Wildfire preparation is not only about the house. It is also about how quickly your household can respond.

Have these ready

Emergency contact list.
Important documents stored in a safe, accessible place.
Basic emergency kit with medications, water, food, flashlight, batteries, and masks.
Go-bag for each family member.
Pet supplies, carriers, and identification.

Smart habits

Know more than one evacuation route.
Keep vehicles fueled and accessible during fire season.
Do not wait until smoke is heavy to get organized.
Talk through a family communication plan in advance.
Review preparation before peak fire season, not during it.

Alerts & Tools

Apps and resources that can help you stay informed

These tools can help with wildfire awareness, alerts, evacuation zones, and local emergency updates.

Local Resources

Helpful wildfire and emergency links

These links can help you find official local and regional information.

Note: This page is intended as a general homeowner resource. Always follow official guidance from emergency services, fire agencies, and local authorities during an active incident.