Decks and fences: breaking the connection to your house

The wick effect

A wood deck or fence connected to your house works like a wick. Embers ignite debris under the deck or a section of fence out in the yard, and the fire follows the wood straight to your walls. Breaking that connection is one of the most effective things you can do.

Under and on the deck

• Clear everything from under the deck: leaves, stored lumber, firewood, plastic bins and garden supplies.
• Clean the gaps between deck boards, where needles and leaves collect.
• Bring cushions, umbrellas, doormats and plastic furniture inside when fire weather is forecast.
• Keep the ground under the deck bare or covered with gravel.
• If you enclose the space under a deck, use 1/8 inch metal mesh or noncombustible skirting so embers can't get in.

Decking materials

Many composite and plastic decking products are not fire resistant, despite being sold as low maintenance. When you replace a deck, the safest choice for the part within five feet of the house is noncombustible material, such as concrete, stone, tile or metal decking. The higher level of the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home program calls for a noncombustible deck. Where the deck meets the house, keep at least 6 vertical inches of noncombustible material between the deck surface and the siding.

Fences

Within five feet of the house, a fence should be noncombustible. Replace the wood or vinyl section closest to the house with metal, masonry or a metal gate, so the fence no longer touches the wall. This is part of the IBHS base checklist, and California's draft Zone 0 rules, now being revised, would not allow new combustible fencing within five feet of a home.

Other attached structures

Pergolas, trellises, arbors and covered patios attached to the house raise the same risk. Keep vines and dry plants off them, keep the area underneath clear, and consider metal or other noncombustible materials when you rebuild.

Decks and fences checklist

1. Clear everything stored under the deck.
2. Clean debris from between the deck boards.
3. Plan to move cushions and furniture inside on red flag days.
4. Find every place a fence touches the house.
5. Replace the last five feet of fence with metal or masonry.
6. When you rebuild the deck, use noncombustible material near the house.

This guide is general information, not professional advice. Building codes and defensible space rules vary by state, county and fire district. Your local fire department or a qualified contractor can tell you what applies to your home. No home is fireproof. Read our full disclaimer.